LGAA RX4E: First Commercial Type-Certified Four-Seat Electric Aircraft Achieves CAAC Certification

The Liaoning General Aviation Academy (LGAA) has secured the world’s first commercial-type certification for its four-seat electric aircraft, the RX4E, under Part 23 regulations. This milestone sets a new precedent for electric aviation globally, signaling that battery-powered planes are not just experimental prototypes—they are now poised for commercial operations.

A Historic Certification

On December 29, 2024, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) issued Type Certificate No. 0095A to the RX4E, recognizing it as the first purely electric aircraft designed under CCAR-23, China’s civil aviation regulations governing normal-category aircraft. These regulations apply to small planes with 19 seats or fewer capacity and a maximum takeoff weight of 8,618 kilograms or less. Achieving this certification required five years of rigorous testing and airworthiness verification, starting from the formal application in November 2019.

Technical Highlights

The RX4E boasts a wingspan of approximately 13.5 meters and a length of about 8.4 meters. With a maximum takeoff weight of 1,260 kilograms, it is powered by a lithium battery pack featuring a total capacity of 70 kWh, allowing for a maximum electric propulsion output of 140 kW.  This technology enables up to 1.5 hours of flight time, offering a zero-emission alternative to conventional piston-engine aircraft. The quiet electric propulsion also reduces noise pollution, promising a more pleasant flight experience for passengers and communities near airports.

Versatile Applications

Designed for more than just novelty, the RX4E can serve in multiple roles:

• Pilot Training: Aspiring aviators benefit from lower operating costs and simpler maintenance.
• Tourism and Sightseeing: Its low noise and emission-free operation make it an ideal candidate for scenic flights.
• Aerial Photography: Electric propulsion adds stability and precision to survey and photography missions.
• Specialized Missions: Future variants, including water, snow, and hydrogen-powered versions, are under development to bolster the aircraft’s market competitiveness.

Commercial and Environmental Impact

LGAA’s success parallels the broader push for green technology in aviation. By eliminating direct carbon emissions, the RX4E highlights the real-world potential of battery-powered flight to reduce the carbon footprint within short-haul and regional air travel markets. Its simpler electric powertrain also promises reduced maintenance requirements, which could make air services more accessible in infrastructure-limited areas—especially where paved runways and fuel logistics pose challenges.

Looking Ahead

With the RX4E officially certified, LGAA and its global partners are expanding efforts to promote electric aviation solutions worldwide. Industry watchers believe this breakthrough could catalyze new business models such as eco-tourism, air taxi services, and rural connectivity programs based on cleaner, quieter aircraft.