China's domestically developed AG600 amphibious aircraft "Kunlong" has officially entered mass production in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, after obtaining a production certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China on Wednesday.
The production certificate confirms that the aircraft manufacturer's quality assurance system meets airworthiness standards and can stably produce aircraft that conform to approved designs.
"The issuance of the production certificate is not only an authoritative recognition of the AG600's mature design and reliable production system, but also a major demonstration of the overall improvement of China's civil aviation manufacturing capabilities. Through the industrialization of the AG600, we have strengthened our determination to independently develop the civil aircraft industry and accelerate in completing major national strategic tasks," said Fu Peng, chairman of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) General Huanan Aircraft Industry Co., Ltd., the AG600 producer.
In addition to securing the production license, the AG600 producer has also signed agreements with several partners to cooperate more in aerial emergency rescue services.
According to AVIC, the AG600 completed the production certificate review in just two months, marking a significant acceleration in the certification of large domestically produced aircraft and giving fresh impetus to the industrialization of China's emergency rescue aviation equipment.
Under China's aviation regulations, civil aircraft must obtain three certificates before entering the commercial market: a type certificate, a production certificate, and an individual airworthiness certificate.
The AG600 received its type certificate, dubbed "birth permit," in April, confirming that the aircraft's design meets airworthiness standards. The newly awarded production certificate is a "manufacturing license," indicating that mass production has been officially authorized.
The remaining document, the individual airworthiness certificate, or "ID card," will be issued once each aircraft is completed, tested, and approved for delivery.
"After each aircraft rolls off the line, inspectors conduct flight tests and equipment checks to ensure no manufacturing defects before issuing the airworthiness certificate. This means that the aircraft has reached airworthy status," said Chen Zhenxing, deputy director of quality and safety at AVIC General Huanan.
China’s AG600 amphibious aircraft to enter mass production
China’s AG600 amphibious aircraft to enter mass production
China’s AG600 amphibious aircraft to enter mass production
