While there is no official confirmation of the news that China has refused to physically deliver two Boeing aircraft, one of which, a -737 Max destined for Xiamen Airlines, both of which were forced to return to Seattle, China celebrated a significant milestone on Sunday, April 20, with the official announcement by Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) that it had obtained the type certification issued by the National Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC) for its AG-600 "Kunlong" large amphibious aircraft. The news, released via a press release by AVIC and picked up by government sources and national media, marks a crucial moment in the development of Chinese special aviation -focused, after the imposition of supertariffs by the Trump administration, on national industrial autonomy also in the field of aviation- and consolidates the country's ambition to emerge as a protagonist in the global aeronautical sector. The type certification was officially released by CAAC last Sunday following a complex design and testing process conducted within national borders.

The type certification received by AVIC attests the full compliance of the AG-600 design with the rigorous safety and airworthiness standards established by CAAC, paving the way for the model's series production and deliveries to customers. The aircraft, with its unique amphibious capabilities, explains the industry, is intended to play a key role in a wide range of critical missions, including forest fire prevention and extinguishing, maritime rescue operations, efficient transportation of personnel and resources, as well as large-scale environmental monitoring.

An heir to the SH-5 and part of a strategic triad

The AG-600 represents a significant evolution in China’s amphibious aircraft, succeeding the Harbin SH-5, a model developed in the 1970s primarily for military purposes and long since retired from active service. This new-generation seaplane, the largest in the world, is part of an ambitious national project aimed at positioning China as a major player on the global stage. The AG-600 joins two other large strategic aircraft: the Y-20 transport aircraft and the C-919 narrow-body jetliner, both of which are already operational.

The AG-600 development program received central government approval in June 2009, with formal work starting in September of that year. This monumental project has mobilized the expertise of tens of thousands of researchers and engineers from 312 research institutes, specialized companies and universities nationwide. Construction of the first prototype began in March 2014 and was successfully completed in July 2016, marking a major milestone toward the realization of this model. Cheng Zhihang, chief designer of the AG-600 at Avic, expressed deep satisfaction at achieving certification. At the release ceremony, he said: "This is a historic moment for the AG-600 program and the entire Chinese aviation industry. The CAAC type certification is a tangible recognition of our team's commitment, dedication and extraordinary innovation. The AG-600 embodies our ambition to achieve full technological self-sufficiency and our firm resolve to ensure the safety and well-being of our Nation. We are confident that this exceptional seaplane will play a crucial role in safeguarding our precious natural resources and in emergency relief operations".

With the type certification achieved, the AG-600 is now ready for operational use. AVIC anticipates significant interest from Chinese government agencies responsible for emergency management, civil protection and environmental monitoring. Its advanced amphibious capabilities make it an invaluable tool for rescue operations on the high seas and for the rapid deployment of firefighting resources in remote and hard-to-reach areas. Industry experts also highlight the significant future development potential of the amphibian and the possibility of further applications, including its potential use in international contexts for humanitarian relief missions and natural disaster management. The national certification represents a decisive step for AVIC on its path to establish itself as a major player in the global amphibious aircraft market.

The video below also shows the “M” variant of the prototype, which made its first ground take-off on May 31, 2022 from Zuhai: