China's first light sport aircraft (LSA) equipped with independently-developed avionics and engine was delivered on Friday.
The aircraft, Aurora SA60L, was developed by Starair Aircraft Co., Ltd., based in Zhuzhou City, Hunan Province in central China. It was granted civil aviation airworthiness certification in August 2025.
Liu Pengfei with Starair said that the first Aurora was delivered to Zhonghao (Chongqing) General Aviation Co., Ltd.
The new aircraft completed a 25-hour factory acceptance test flight, during which it was evaluated across 31 test subjects. Based on key performance indicators, including thrust-to-weight ratio, fuel consumption, vibration levels, and exterior craftsmanship, the domestically produced aircraft demonstrated satisfactory overall performance.
Xiao Huangxing, general manager of Starair's manned aircraft division, said that Aurora features China-made intelligent and data management platforms.
Aircraft engines and avionics systems account for a large proportion of the total value of the LSA. The Aurora's delivery significantly enhances the market competitiveness of China-made LSA, Xiao added.
Wang Qiang, head of Zhong Hao Airlines, also praised the aircraft's superior cost-efficiency and enhanced operational performance.
"Our company's core businesses primarily consist of flight training, flight experience services, aviation education and research programs, as well as commercial aircraft operations. With the addition of this new aircraft, we now operate a total fleet of five: four domestically produced Aurora planes and one rotorcraft. In terms of operational use, the Aurora is more cost-effective, more efficient, and easier to operate," said Wang.
China's first light sport aircraft with independently-developed avionics, engine delivered
China's 15th Five-Year Plan proposal sends a strong signal of the country's commitment to upholding openness and cooperation, which will promote further development for the country and the world, said officials and scholars around the world.
The draft 15th Five-Year Plan, the blueprint that will guide the world's second-largest economy from 2026 to 2030, is central to steer China to move toward modernization amid technological disruption, demographic shifts and an increasingly fractured global order, according to the scholars.
"China's 15th Five-Year Plan is not a rigid model; it is more like benchmarks for growth targets and focal points. Chinese economists and economic decision-makers are not just focusing on qualitative growth, but also on innovative development. We're witnessing new transportation methods, robotics and artificial intelligence," said Andrey Denisov, first deputy chair of Russia's Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs and former Russian Ambassador to China.
"The 15th Five-Year Plan is of great importance to China's development. The country is poised to make remarkable advancements in various sectors, including artificial intelligence, high-end manufacturing and infrastructure construction. Given the shifting global context and China's transition towards high-quality development, I am confident that this plan will herald a new era for China's development," said Kamel Mansari, news director of the French-language daily Le Jeune Independent.
Scholars also noted that China's commitment to high-quality development and high-level opening-up will promote win-win results and benefit the world.
"China has emerged as a key partner for most countries worldwide, and a preferred partner due to its closeness and integration with global communities, as well as its strong humanitarian perspective. The Chinese economy has not only benefited itself; it has helped many economies worldwide flourish through its partnerships," said Dirgham Muhammad Ali, an Iraqi economic expert.
China's National People's Congress (NPC) is scheduled to open in Beijing on Wednesday, with lawmakers set to approve the 15th Five-Year Plan.
15th Five-Year Plan to guide China's development, benefit world: scholars
