China's AG600, world’s biggest seaplane, approved for flight

Developed by the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the AG600 received civil certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China on Monday, according to Interesting Engineering. It is the first large seaplane developed under China's own civil airworthiness standards.

The aircraft stretches 38.9 meters in length, stands 11.7 meters tall, and has a wingspan of 38.8 meters. It features a hybrid design, combining the upper body of a plane with a ship-like hull, allowing it to operate on both land and water—even in wave conditions up to two meters high.

Built for both land and sea missions, the AG600 is designed for critical tasks such as firefighting, maritime rescue, and emergency response during natural disasters.

The world's largest amphibious aircraft, AG600. Photo from AVIC

AVIC said the aircraft fills a long-standing gap in China’s aviation capability, especially for rapid-response missions across expansive maritime areas.

The aircraft is part of China’s broader strategy to modernize its aviation sector by 2027, alongside flagship projects like the Y-20 military transport and C919 passenger jet.

Since its maiden flight in 2017, the AG600 has achieved several milestones, including its first water takeoff in 2018 and its inaugural sea-based flight in 2020.