China has reportedly delayed final approvals for Airbus jet deliveries for several months to pressure European regulators. This strategy targets the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to accelerate certification for the homegrown C919.
The C919 competes directly with the Airbus A320 aircraft family. The delivery slowdown contributed to Airbus reporting its lowest first-quarter volume since 2009.
The Airbus CEO expects to resolve the regulatory impasse by the end of June. China seeks this certification to challenge the global market duopoly held by Airbus and Boeing.