Aero Engine Corp of China (AECC), the nation's leading aircraft engine maker, plans to deepen its presence in the general aviation market in 2026, advancing certification and flight tests for several new products. Chief designer Shan Xiaoming stated that two key models have entered the airworthiness certification phase, with hopes of obtaining type certificates from civil aviation authorities by year's end.
Shan Xiaoming, chief designer at the AECC Hunan Aviation Powerplant Research Institute in Zhuzhou, Hunan province, told China Daily in an exclusive Beijing interview that the company seeks breakthroughs in the general aviation market this year. The AEP100 turboprop engine and AES20 turboshaft engine have entered the airworthiness certification phase. "We hope they can receive the type certificate from the civil aviation authority before the end of this year," she said.
Several other new engine types, including turboprop, turboshaft, and hybrid-electric motors, are set for maiden flights this year and public displays at airshows. For the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), AECC aims to develop "high-quality, low-cost and comprehensively competitive" propulsion products for general aviation aircraft to support the low-altitude economy. The company will accelerate promotion and application of mature models like the WZ-16 and AES100, reduce costs, and create new variants, Shan added.
AECC also plans to speed up research and development for engines suited to green, unmanned, and smart aircraft, while advancing design and certification of hybrid-electric and all-electric propulsion systems. These are expected to enter the market by 2030, according to Shan, who is a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress attending its annual session.
General aviation encompasses civil operations beyond scheduled flights, such as pilot training, charters, and aerial surveys. With the rise of the low-altitude economy, demand for such equipment has surged. AECC has invested heavily in this area, securing 91 firm orders and delivering 177 units in 2025. At a major expo in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, in November, it signed deals with 17 customers worth over 1 billion yuan ($145 million).