AVIC Announces Completion of First Mass-Production AG600 Aircraft
AVIC General Aircraft, a subsidiary of the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), announced on May 9 that the first mass-production unit of its AG600 amphibious aircraft (designated 1101) has completed final assembly and rolled off the production line.
Assembly of the 1101 aircraft began in July 2024 at AVIC’s facility in South China. According to the company, teams streamlined workflows, prioritized critical components, and resolved technical challenges to meet production timelines.
By December 2024, the airframe’s structural assembly was finalized.
The aircraft subsequently underwent rigorous testing, including a lightning indirect effects assessment to validate safety during extreme weather operations. The two-month test phase concluded with systems integration and pre-delivery checks.
In March 2025, a specialized task force was established to oversee final assembly and delivery preparations. Cross-functional teams focused on avionics verification, fuel system integrity checks, and watertightness testing, addressing technical hurdles to ensure the aircraft’s readiness for flight trials, the company added.
Current Production Status:
Second aircraft (1102): Major systems, including engines and landing gear, have been installed, with avionics testing ongoing.
Third aircraft (1103): Primary components such as wings and tail sections are assembled, with system integration underway.
China’s Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC) granted the Type Certificate (TC) for the AG600 “Kunlong” amphibious aircraft during a ceremony last month, formalizing its approval under Chinese civil aviation regulations.
The certification, officially issued on April 11, confirms the aircraft’s compliance with CCAR-21.25 and CCAR-25 standards, marking the culmination of a 16-year development program that began in 2009.
According to available data, the AG600 has a maximum takeoff weight of 60 tons (132,000 pounds), a fuselage length of 37 meters (121 feet), a wingspan of 38.8 meters (127 feet), a height of 12.1 meters (40 feet), and a maximum range of 4,500 kilometers (2,796 miles).
The aircraft has a top speed of 460 km/h (286 mph), a minimum level-flight speed of 220 km/h (137 mph), and a service ceiling of 7,600 meters (24,934 feet).
The AG600 is earmarked for roles such as firefighting, search and rescue, and maritime patrol.
Cirrus Aircraft Co., Ltd. (HK02507), a Hong Kong-listed subsidiary of AVIC General Aircraft, initially announced the launch on May 6.
In a separate development, AVIC General Aircraft's Aviation Products Division highlighted the newest SR Series model—the G7+—which features the Ga as standard equipment.
The series is the world’s first single-engine piston aircraft to feature an FAA-approved automatic emergency landing system.
The Safe Return™ system by Garmin combines advanced sensors, precision algorithms, and automated flight controls to autonomously land the aircraft without pilot intervention. Once activated via a button press, the system—
Takes control of the aircraft
Flies to the nearest suitable airport
Notifies air traffic control
Communicates with passengers
Navigates around terrain, obstacles, and adverse weather
Executes a safe landing
Shuts down the engine after landing for safe passenger exit
The Safe Return™ system can be activated manually or automatically. Anyone in the cabin can press the button to trigger it. If the pilot is alone or cabin occupants cannot activate it manually, the system will automatically engage when it detects abnormal or unresponsive pilot behavior.
The pilot can override the system at any time by pressing the autopilot disconnect button.
Beyond Safe Return™, the G7+ also debuts several enhanced features aimed at simplifying cockpit management and improving safety:
Automatic Database Updates via Cirrus IQ PRO™
Runway Occupancy Awareness to reduce risk during landings
Smart Pitot Heat to help prevent system failures in icing conditions
Moving forward, AVIC General Aircraft said it aims to drive low-altitude economy growth by advancing technology, optimizing production, and enhancing marketing and service capabilities for safer, more accessible flight solutions.