Published: 14:40, December 7, 2024
China's homegrown AG100 trainer aircraft starts commercial operation
By Xinhua
The first batch of the new-generation junior trainer aircraft, the Lingyan AG100, independently developed by China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co, is delivered on Jan 19, 2024 at Moganshan High-tech Zone in Huzhou, Zhejiang province, marking the official entry of this model to the market. (XIE SHANGGUO / FOR CHINA DAILY)

BEIJING – China's independently developed AG100 civil primary trainer aircraft has officially entered commercial operation, according to the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

The single-engine piston aircraft recently began commercial service at a pilot training base of the AVIC Flight Academy, AVIC said.

The AG100, developed by China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co, Ltd under AVIC, bridges a significant gap for China in homegrown civil primary trainer aircraft.

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Designed primarily for pilot training and private flights, the AG100 aims to serve a wide range of customers, including pilot training schools and private pilots, AVIC explained.

The three-seat AG100 aircraft is built with a composite structure of fiberglass and carbon fiber, according to its developer.

This type of trainer aircraft is 7.26 meters long and has a wingspan of 10.42 meters.

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Going forward, efforts will be made to continuously improve and optimize the AG100 aircraft and sustain its commercial success, accelerating the development of the country's burgeoning low-altitude economy and the general aviation industry, the AVIC said.