China's COMAC Successfully Completes First Manned Flight of 19-Seat Electric Airliner

China's state-owned aircraft manufacturer COMAC has successfully completed the first manned flight of its 19-seat electric airliner, the CE-25A. The flight took place on November 14, 2026, in Binzhou, Shandong province, with two pilots and a test engineer on board. The aircraft performed normally, with all indicators meeting expectations. This marks a significant milestone in the development of the CE-25A, which had previously conducted 19 autonomous test flights.

The CE-25A is designed for short-range flights between cities and is equipped with 10 electric propellers on its wings. The aircraft has a cruise speed of 300 km/h, a maximum altitude of 2,400 meters, and a range of 400 km. Its maximum takeoff weight is 10 tons. COMAC had initially aimed for a cruise speed of 400 km/h and a range of 400-500 km when it unveiled a model of the CE-25A at the Shanghai International Import Expo in November 2023.

The successful manned flight is a major step towards certification, which is required for the aircraft to carry passengers. The certification process will involve numerous compliance tests. The CE-25A is being developed in collaboration with battery manufacturer CATL and Shanghai Jiaotong University. COMAC has submitted a type certificate application to the Civil Aviation Administration of China, which has been accepted.

The CE-25A features a unique design, with 10 electric propellers on its wings instead of traditional turboprop engines. The aircraft is considered a significant innovation in electric aviation, with potential applications for short-range flights. COMAC has not announced any orders from airlines or a planned service date for the CE-25A.

The development of the CE-25A is part of a broader effort to advance electric aviation technology. Swedish aircraft manufacturer Heart Aerospace had previously announced plans to develop a 19-seat electric airliner, the ES-19, but has since shifted its focus to larger hybrid-electric aircraft.

COMAC's achievement marks a significant milestone in the development of electric aircraft, which are seen as a promising area of innovation in the aviation industry. The company's success could pave the way for other manufacturers to pursue electric aircraft development.

The next step for the CE-25A is to complete the certification process, which will involve rigorous testing to ensure the aircraft's safety and performance. COMAC has not provided a timeline for certification or service entry, but the successful manned flight brings the program one step closer to realizing its goal of introducing a commercial electric airliner.

Key points

• COMAC completes first manned flight of 19-seat electric airliner CE-25A
• Aircraft features 10 electric propellers, cruise speed of 300 km/h, and range of 400 km
• Certification process to involve numerous compliance tests, with no announced service date or airline orders