China Issues World's First Type Certification for Electric Aircraft - Paving the Way for Sustainable Aviation
Key Ideas
  • The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has issued the first type certification for an electric aircraft under Part 23 regulations to Liaoning General Aviation Academy (LGAA)’s RX4E.
  • The RX4E, a high-wing, fixed tricycle-gear, four-seat platform, marks a new era for sustainable aviation and aims to bridge gaps in short-haul regional air mobility, especially in developing countries.
  • Volar Air Mobility will market the RX4E globally, with an estimated flight duration of about 1.5 hours and a range of 235 km, targeting commercial use.
  • LGAA is also exploring a hydrogen variant of the RX4E, with a prototype retrofitted with a hydrogen-burning internal combustion engine, showcasing continued innovation in sustainable aviation.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has granted the world's first type certification for an electric aircraft under Part 23 regulations to the Liaoning General Aviation Academy (LGAA) for its RX4E model. This four-seat platform, designed with high efficiency electric propulsion and advanced aerodynamic features, has the capability for commercial use, with an estimated flight duration of 1.5 hours and a range of 235 km. Marketed by Volar Air Mobility, the RX4E is positioned as a solution for sustainable aviation, particularly in regions with limited road infrastructure. LGAA, known for its innovative electric aircraft developments, is also exploring a hydrogen variant of the RX4E, currently in the demonstration phase, by retrofitting a prototype with a hydrogen-burning internal combustion engine. This move showcases LGAA's commitment to pushing the boundaries of sustainable aviation technology and exploring alternative power sources for future aircraft models.
ADVANCEH2

Our vision is to be the world's leading online platform for advancing the use of hydrogen as a critical piece needed to deliver net-zero initiatives and the promise of a clean H2 energy future.

© 2025 AdvanceH2, LLC. All rights reserved.