Claims that China is slowing Airbus aircraft deliveries in order to support the international certification process of the domestically developed COMAC C919 have become a topic of discussion in the global aviation sector.
According to reports in several European media outlets, Chinese authorities are allegedly delaying the delivery process of around 20 Airbus A320 aircraft that were scheduled for delivery during the first quarter of 2026.
The reports claim that the delays are not related to technical reasons, but are instead aimed at strengthening China’s position in the certification process of the C919 program before the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.
No official confirmation has been issued by Airbus, EASA, or Chinese authorities regarding the allegations.
Developed by Chinese manufacturer COMAC, the C919 narrow-body aircraft is designed to compete with the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX families. While the aircraft is already operating on domestic Chinese routes, it must still complete certification processes with both EASA and the Federal Aviation Administration to expand into global markets.
