China completes first crewed flight of electric passenger aircraft

In depth

Chinese aircraft maker Comac has completed the first crewed test flight of the electric passenger aircraft CE-25A. The flight was completed after 19 uncrewed test flights.

The aircraft is designed to carry 19 passengers and reaches a speed of about 300 km/h. It can fly up to 400 km on a single charge and is powered by batteries alone.

The design is based on fans mounted above the wings. Authorities have received an application for commercial certification for operating short routes.