Electric Aircraft
Pipistrel Velis Electro Secures First Electric Aircraft Safety Certification in Asia
Pipistrel’s Velis Electro receives South Korea’s first safety certification for electric aircraft, enabling commercial flight training in Asia.
This article is based on an official press release from Pipistrel.
Pipistrel, a Textron Inc. company, has officially received the first safety certification for its Velis Electro aircraft in Asia, marking a pivotal moment for Electric-Aviation in the region. The Certification was issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of South Korea, clearing the way for the fully electric aircraft to enter commercial service in the country.
According to the company’s announcement on December 23, 2025, this approval represents the first time in South Korea’s 77-year aviation history that an electric aircraft has been certified for operation. The milestone underscores the growing global acceptance of electric propulsion in general aviation, particularly for flight training applications.
While the Velis Electro has been operating in Europe and other Western markets for several years, its entry into Asia opens a significant new frontier. The certification process was a collaborative effort involving TOFF MOBILITY, a local South Korean partner. TOFF MOBILITY took delivery of the first unit in 2024 and worked closely with regulators to conduct the necessary flight testing and data collection required to prove the aircraft’s safety profile.
Gabriel Massey, President and Managing Director of Pipistrel, highlighted the strategic importance of this achievement in a company statement:
“The approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of South Korea represents a landmark achievement for Pipistrel, signifying our pioneering introduction of electric aircraft technology into the Asian market… It significantly advances our mission to lead the charge in sustainable aviation, opening new doors for electric flight across the continent.”
The aircraft has been certified as a “Lightweight Aircraft” in South Korea, a classification aligned with its Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of 600 kg (1,320 lbs).
We view this certification as a critical precedent for the Asia-Pacific aviation sector. South Korea is a market characterized by high population density and stringent noise regulations near urban centers. The Velis Electro’s ability to operate quietly, generating only 60 dBa, makes it uniquely suited for this environment. By securing this certification, South Korean regulators have effectively established a framework for future electric aircraft, signaling that the region is ready to integrate Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and sustainable flight technologies into its airspace.
The Velis Electro remains the world’s only commercially available, type-certified electric aircraft. Designed primarily for pilot training, it offers a sustainable alternative to traditional piston-engine trainers. According to Pipistrel’s technical specifications, the aircraft features a liquid-cooled electric powertrain that drastically reduces the number of moving parts, thereby lowering maintenance costs and downtime. Key technical specifications confirmed by the Manufacturers include:
The aircraft’s battery system is designed with redundancy in mind. One pack is located in the nose and the other behind the cabin; if one system fails, the other is capable of sustaining flight, ensuring a high margin of Safety for student pilots.
This latest approval in South Korea adds to a growing list of regulatory bodies that have validated the Velis Electro’s airworthiness. The aircraft first made history in June 2020 when it received the world’s first type certification for an electric aircraft from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Since then, it has secured approvals from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (2022) and an airworthiness exemption for Light-Sport Aircraft from the FAA in the United States (2024).
With the addition of South Korea in late 2025, Pipistrel has successfully expanded its regulatory footprint into three major continents, reinforcing its position as the industry leader in certified electric flight.
What is the primary use of the Velis Electro? How loud is the aircraft? Who is the local partner in South Korea? Sources: Pipistrel
Pipistrel Velis Electro Secures Historic First Safety Certification in Asia
Breaking New Ground in the Asian Market
AirPro News Analysis
Technical Profile: The Velis Electro
Global Certification Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
The aircraft is designed primarily for flight training, specifically circuit training. Its low operating costs and quiet profile make it ideal for flight schools operating near residential areas.
The Velis Electro has a noise level of approximately 60 dBa, which is significantly quieter than traditional combustion-engine aircraft.
TOFF MOBILITY, a South Korean electric flight company, partnered with Pipistrel to facilitate the certification process and took delivery of the first aircraft in 2024.
Photo Credit: Pipistrel