Science & Tech · Gadgets & EVs · 3 hrs ago
China’s CE-25A electric aircraft completes first crewed flight
China’s CE-25A electric aircraft completed its first crewed flight in Shandong Province on November 14.
The aircraft, developed by COMAC and domestic partners, carried two pilots and a flight test engineer.
It had previously completed 19 autonomous flight tests after its first unmanned flight in February.
The aircraft is designed to carry up to 19 passengers on short routes between cities, with a stated range of about 400 kilometres.
China’s aviation regulator has accepted its application for type certification, but this does not mean it is approved for commercial service.
The aircraft is now moving toward the certification process, where regulators will assess whether it meets safety and performance requirements.
COMAC’s CE-25A electric commercial aircraft completed its first crewed flight in Shandong Province on November 14.
The flight carried two pilots and a flight test engineer, and the aircraft’s systems operated normally.
China News Service reported that the test lasted 57 minutes and 46 seconds, including 16 minutes and 38 seconds in the air over 60.4 kilometres.
The aircraft is designed to carry up to 19 passengers on short intercity routes.
China’s Civil Aviation Administration has accepted its application for type certification, but this is not approval for commercial service.
- Who
- The CE-25A, developed by COMAC with domestic partners, flew with two pilots and a flight test engineer.
- What
- It completed its first crewed intelligent flight.
- When
- November 14, 2026.
- Where
- Binzhou, Shandong Province, China.
- Why
- The flight was a development milestone ahead of the aircraft’s regulatory certification process.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The CE-25A completed its first autonomous unmanned flight.
The aircraft completed 19 autonomous flight tests, according to the reports.
The CE-25A completed its first crewed flight in Shandong Province.
- Crew
- Two pilots and one flight test engineer
- Flight duration
- 57 minutes 46 seconds
- Airborne time and distance
- 16 minutes 38 seconds; 60.4 kilometres
- Passenger capacity
- Up to 19 passengers
- Maximum takeoff weight
- 10 tonnes
- Certification
- China’s Civil Aviation Administration accepted the type certification application