In a world first, China’s 10-tonne electric commercial aircraft makes crewed flight

China has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in the aviation industry by successfully completing the world's first crewed flight of a 10-tonne-class electric commercial aircraft, the CE-25A. This marks a significant departure from the traditional reliance on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) and signals a new era in sustainable air travel.

On Saturday, the CE-25A, operated by China's state-owned aerospace manufacturer Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), successfully completed its maiden crewed flight in Binzhou, Shandong province. The aircraft, which can carry up to 19 passengers, was piloted by two individuals and tested by a flight-test engineer, as reported by CCTV.

While the Militky MB-E1, a motor glider, holds the distinction of being the first full-size electric aircraft to fly on battery-electric power with a person onboard in 1973, China's CE-25A is the first 10-tonne-class battery-electric commercial passenger aircraft. Israel has also developed a prototype electric aircraft, the Eviation Alice, with a capacity for nine passengers and two crew members, but has not progressed further.

The CE-25A, developed jointly by COMAC, battery maker CATL, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and other partners, had previously completed 19 unmanned autonomous flight validations. The Civil Aviation Administration of China has granted COMAC's application for a type certificate, signifying the aircraft's readiness for commercial use.

The CE-25A boasts an impressive set of specifications, with a cruising speed of 300 km per hour, a cruising altitude of 2,400 meters, and a range of 400 km. During its nearly hour-long test session, the aircraft spent just over 16 minutes in the air and covered a distance of 60.4 km. All performance indicators were met with satisfaction, according to COMAC.

This milestone is expected to inspire other countries, including India, to explore the development of electric power-operated aircraft, ultimately contributing to a reduction in air pollution in the upper layers of the atmosphere.