China's COMAC Completes First Piloted Test Flight of Electric Passenger Plane

China's Commercial Aircraft Corp of China (COMAC) has achieved a significant milestone with the successful completion of the first piloted test flight of its electric passenger plane, the CE-25A. The aircraft, which is China's first domestically developed 10-metric-ton-class electric commercial aircraft, took off on November 14, 2026, in Binzhou, Shandong province. The test flight lasted 57 minutes and 46 seconds, including 16 minutes and 38 seconds in the air, during which the aircraft covered 60.4 kilometers.

The CE-25A is a 100 percent electric-powered aircraft, boasting 19 seats and a range of 400 kilometers. It features 10 ducted fans embedded inside the wings, rather than traditional propellers. The aircraft is capable of both autonomous and piloted flights, making it a significant development in the field of electric aviation. The CE-25A has a maximum takeoff weight of 10 metric tons, a cruising speed of 300 kilometers per hour, and a cruising altitude of 2,400 meters.

The successful test flight was a major step towards the certification and commercialization of the CE-25A. The aircraft is being jointly developed by COMAC, Chinese battery manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology Company Limited, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and other domestic partners. The Civil Aviation Administration of China has accepted the application for a type certificate for the CE-25A, which marks a crucial step in the aircraft's certification process.

The CE-25A completed its first unmanned autonomous test flight on February 2, 2026, and a total of 19 unmanned autonomous flight tests were conducted during its development. The aircraft is being developed in accordance with China's CCAR-25 airworthiness regulations for transport-category aircraft, which also apply to large commercial passenger aircraft. The development of the CE-25A is a significant achievement for China's aviation industry.

The COMAC CE-25A is designed to carry 19 passengers on commercial flights between cities, providing a sustainable and environmentally friendly option for short-haul travel. The aircraft's electric propulsion system offers a cleaner and more efficient alternative to traditional fossil-fuel-powered aircraft. With its successful test flight, the CE-25A has demonstrated its potential to play a key role in the future of electric aviation.

The completion of the first piloted test flight of the CE-25A marks a significant milestone in the development of electric aircraft for commercial travel. COMAC's achievement has sparked interest and excitement in the aviation industry, with many experts believing that electric aircraft could be the future of sustainable aviation. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, the CE-25A is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of electric flight.

The next step for the CE-25A is to complete the certification process, which must be finished before the aircraft can enter commercial service. With the Civil Aviation Administration of China's acceptance of the type certificate application, the CE-25A is one step closer to becoming a reality in commercial aviation. The successful development of the CE-25A has shown that electric aircraft can be a viable option for short-haul commercial travel.

Key points

• The COMAC CE-25A is China's first full-scale, all-electric commercial aircraft, with a range of 400 kilometers and a capacity for 19 passengers.