Recently, the 1:4 scale experimental model of Beluga Airlines' W5000 large cargo drone made headlines by successfully completing its maiden flight in Etuoke Banner, Inner Mongolia. This achievement not only heralds the impending maiden voyage of the full-scale aircraft but also signifies a significant leap forward in China's domestic regional air cargo transportation capabilities. Presently, the W5000 is undergoing a series of gradient taxiing tests, with the software system debugging slated for completion by the end of April. Beluga Airlines has outlined plans to commence the final assembly of the second full-scale aircraft in April 2026. In terms of airworthiness certification, the application process began in late 2023, was officially accepted in March 2024, and is projected to reach full certification by the first half of 2027.
