China reached a new aviation milestone on Wednesday with an official AG600 breakthrough in large-scale aircraft production. The Civil Aviation Administration of China granted the AG600 a production certificate in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province. This approval launches full-scale manufacturing of the AG600 amphibious aircraft, developed entirely within China. Previously, the aircraft earned its type certificate on April 20 in Beijing. Now, authorities have cleared it for operational use.
The AG600 breakthrough reflects years of work by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). Engineers designed the aircraft for low-speed stability, efficient firefighting, and safe water landings. Its all-domestic support system further highlights China’s move toward technological self-reliance. Additionally, the aircraft supports multiple missions, including maritime patrol and emergency rescue. Officials describe it as a critical addition to national disaster response efforts.
Moreover, the AG600 offers unique capabilities for natural disaster management and aerial firefighting. Its design suits low-altitude operations over oceans, rivers, and mountains. The aircraft can carry large water loads for firefighting or evacuate people from flooded areas. It also improves China’s ability to patrol coastal regions and deliver supplies in emergencies. As a result, it strengthens the country’s emergency rescue infrastructure.
AVIC experts said the AG600 breakthrough created a new technical platform for future amphibious aircraft in China. This success gives China full independence in developing large, civil-purpose aviation systems. The aircraft also serves as a benchmark for future innovation in aviation rescue. Industry leaders expect this to boost China’s influence in global emergency aviation services. Technological advances from the AG600 may also apply to other special-purpose aircraft.
Looking ahead, AVIC plans to expand the AG600 aircraft series for a broader range of rescue missions. Developers will refine its systems to better meet emergency and disaster response needs. Officials also want to build a full rescue fleet around the AG600 platform. These steps aim to build a stronger, faster, and more independent rescue system for China. The AG600 now leads China’s next phase in civil aviation.
