China's C919 airliner is advancing, with its first scheduled international route launching this month, a new high-altitude variant completing its maiden flight, and positive feedback from European test pilots. This marks significant progress for China's civil aviation ambitions.

Deliveries of China's C919 narrowbody airliner, intended to compete with Boeing and Airbus, are reportedly delayed. Only three units were shipped to Chinese carriers in the first quarter of 2026.

The first production model of Russia's MC-21 jet has successfully completed its maiden flight, days after President Vladimir Putin visited the Siberian assembly plant.

European aviation authorities are reportedly speeding up the certification process for China's C919 passenger jet, with EU pilots now permanently stationed in Shanghai to facilitate testing.

Three years after its maiden commercial flight, China's C919 civilian airliners are entering a crucial maintenance phase, with jets being grounded for rigorous 'C-checks' as European regulators observe the process.