With electric plane's success, bigger model planned

Research and development of a four-seat electric airplane will begin soon, hot on the heels of the successful test flight of a two-seat version earlier this week, Zou Haining, deputy head of the Liaoning General Aviation Academy, said on Friday.

"We believe there's a big demand for that type of electric plane, which can carry a bigger load on longer flights. It would transport both people and goods," he said. "And we will continue to improve the performance of electric planes."

The academy successfully completed the maiden flight of an advanced electric plane on Wednesday in Faku county of Shenyang, Liaoning province. Observers said the test flight, which lasted two hours in the air, demonstrated China's leading role in the industry.