What certification is required for a new aircraft before it can enter commercial service?

For a new aircraft to enter commercial service, it must obtain type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Type certification is a rigorous process that verifies the aircraft design meets specific safety, environmental, and operational standards. This process involves extensive testing and documentation to ensure that the aircraft can be safely operated in a commercial environment.

The type certification ensures that the design complies with the established regulations and that the aircraft is capable of performing its intended functions safely. Once type certification is granted, the aircraft can be produced and put into service, paving the way for it to carry passengers and cargo under commercial operations.

While the other certifications mentioned are important in their respective areas, type certification is the critical requirement before an aircraft can begin commercial operations. Emission certification focuses specifically on environmental compliance, operational certification pertains to adherence to operational procedures, and design certification from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is relevant in specific jurisdictions but is not the primary requirement for commercial service entry.