Seaplane to boost maritime capability, firefighting

China will have better capability in maritime search, rescue and firefighting as it moves closer to putting the world's largest amphibious aircraft into use.

Developed and built by State-owned aircraft giant Aviation Industry Corp of China, the AG600 carried out its first water-based takeoff and landing at Jingmen Zhanghe Airport, one of China's leading amphibious airports in Jingmen, Hubei province, on Saturday.

President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to researchers and engineers of the program to express his congratulations, encouraging them to continue to strive to build a strong aviation industry.