China approves world’s biggest amphibious plane, AG600, for mass production

China’s home-grown AG600, the world’s largest amphibious aircraft, has been given the green light for mass production, marking a step forward in building an independent and globally competitive aviation industry.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) certified the plane on Wednesday, confirming that its developer, the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (Avic), has established a reliable system to consistently produce aircraft that meet safety standards, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

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.

China developed the AG600 to meet urgent needs in emergency rescue and natural disaster prevention and control, state media previously reported.

South China Morning Post