Key points
- Approval marks a major step in China’s push for a self-reliant civil aviation industry
- The aircraft, developed by Avic, is the world’s largest of its kind
- Approval reflects China’s broader efforts to reduce dependence on foreign technology
- The aircraft can carry up to 12 tonnes of water for firefighting missions
ISLAMABAD: China’s domestically developed AG600, the world’s largest amphibious aircraft, has received approval for mass production—an important milestone in advancing the country’s independent and globally competitive aviation sector, according to a report published by the South China Morning Post.
On Wednesday, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) certified the aircraft, confirming that its manufacturer, the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (Avic), has set up a dependable system capable of consistently producing planes that meet safety requirements, as reported by state broadcaster CCTV.
“More high-end and standardised”
Avic said the approval was a milestone towards a “more high-end and standardised” civil aviation manufacturing sector, and that it “strengthened China’s ability to independently build a complete civil aviation ecosystem”, CCTV reported.
The development is part of China’s broader push to build a self-reliant civil aviation industry and position itself as a major player in the global sector. The goal has gained urgency in light of the United States’ recent technology curbs, including restrictions on jet engine exports.
The AG600 is one of three large aircraft developed domestically, alongside the Y-20 strategic transport plane and the C919 narrowbody airliner – both in active service.
Disaster prevention and control
China developed the AG600 to meet urgent needs in emergency rescue and natural disaster prevention and control, state media previously reported.
With a maximum take-off weight of 60 tonnes and a practical range of 4,500 kilometres, the aircraft can carry up to 12 tonnes of water for firefighting missions.
The AG600’s development involved hundreds of supporting enterprises and tens of thousands of components, underscoring China’s ability to coordinate the design and manufacturing of large specialised aircraft, as well as managing their complex supply chains, according to state news agency Xinhua.
Expansion plan
The project also provided “replicable management experience and technical standards for future domestically developed aircraft”, the report added.
The AG600 entered batch production and final assembly in July last year, with the CAAC issuing a type certificate – confirming its design meets airworthiness standards – in April.
Avic now plans to expand the AG600 product line and strengthen the country’s aviation-based emergency response capabilities, according to Xinhua.
