China’s AG600 amphibious aircraft to enter mass production

China

China’s AG600 amphibious aircraft to enter mass production

2025-06-11 17:16 Last Updated At：06-12 01:27

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.

Protesters rally in Italy, Greece against U.S. military operation in Venezuela

Thousands of demonstrators rallied in Italy and Greece on Saturday to protest against U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, with protesters in Rome, Milan and Athens condemning Washington's actions and calling for respect for Venezuelan sovereignty.

In Rome, more than 1,000 demonstrators marched toward the area near the U.S. Embassy, calling on Washington to immediately release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

Police blocked roads around the embassy to prevent protesters from approaching the building, but demonstrators continued to denounce U.S. actions.

"First of all, we oppose U.S. imperialist aggression. This kind of behavior is shameful. The U.S. is attacking a sovereign country, and as [U.S. President Donald] Trump himself has said, this is for oil interests," said protester Giovanni Barbera.

Saturday's rally marked the second large-scale protest in Rome this month against U.S. military operations in Venezuela, following an earlier one on on Jan 3.

Participants included members of multiple political parties, labor unions and social organizations. The protesters held banners reading "Stop imperialist interference" and "Free Maduro," urging the international community to respect Venezuela's sovereignty and the will of its people, and condemning the U.S. for violating international law.

"We are protesting the way the U.S. handles international politics. Since the events of January 3, we have seen violations of international law, and we are very concerned about how the global situation is developing," said protester Stefano De Angelis.

Organizers said solidarity rallies in support of Venezuela were held in 30 Italian cities on the same day.

Meanwhile, similar protests were also staged in Greece. About 200 people gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Athens, voicing support for Venezuela and opposition to U.S. military actions.

"We oppose U.S. imperialism and its attack on Venezuela. At the same time, the U.S. is also threatening Cuba, Mexico and Greenland. We must stand up against this behavior," said Greek protester Argiro Sirmakezi.