Advanced Air Mobility Modern Flying News

China Certifies 4-Seat Commercial Electric Aircraft

All-electric RX4E receives type certification from the country’s civil aviation regulator and is claimed to be first of its kind to be cleared for commercial flight.

Monday, January 06, 2025 at 03:55 PM ET

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According to operator Volar Air Mobility, the RX4E is the world’s first electric aircraft to be certified for commercial operations. [Courtesy: Liaoning General Aviation Academy]

Key Takeaways:

China has certified the RX4E, a four-passenger, battery-electric aircraft, making it the world's first electric model approved for commercial flight.
Developed by Rhyxeon General Aircraft Company, the RX4E received type certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for carrying passengers and cargo, unlike previous electric aircraft certified only for training.
Operating partner Volar Air Mobility plans to commercialize the RX4E, targeting initial deployment in Southeast Asia before expanding to Africa and the Middle East for various uses, including private aviation, tourism, and medical evacuations.
The RX4E is a short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft with an approximate range of 186 miles, 1.5 hours of endurance, and features batteries that can be swapped in about 10 minutes.

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China has certified the world’s first electric aircraft for commercial flight, according to the operator of the model.

The RX4E—a four-passenger, battery-electric design developed by Rhyxeon General Aircraft Company, a subsidiary of Liaoning General Aviation Academy in China—received type certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), per a social media post by operating partner Volar Air Mobility.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.