China’s domestically developed MA60 civil search and rescue aircraft has achieved a critical milestone with its successful inaugural flight, signaling progress in addressing long-standing maritime safety challenges. The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) confirmed the 80-minute test flight concluded smoothly at an airport in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, on Thursday.
The MA60, part of the 'Modern Ark' multipurpose aircraft family, is designed to enhance China’s capacity for large-scale maritime search and rescue operations. AVIC experts highlighted that previous limitations in response times and coverage had hampered efforts in vast or complex environments, particularly at sea.
This advancement aligns with broader efforts to modernize China’s aviation infrastructure and emergency response capabilities. Analysts suggest the MA60’s development could strengthen regional disaster management frameworks, offering potential applications for neighboring countries facing similar challenges.
As the aircraft enters comprehensive testing, stakeholders in aviation and maritime sectors will monitor its performance for operational readiness and scalability.
