A ground staff member checks the battery of the RX1E-A, a two-seater aircraft designed by Shenyang Aerospace University, at Caihu airport in Shenyang, capital of Northeast China's Liaoning province, Nov 1, 2017. An advanced version of China's first electric plane made its maiden flight on Wednesday, extending the single flight time to two hours from around 45 minutes. [Photo/Xinhua]

SHENYANG -- An advanced version of China's first electric plane made its maiden flight on Wednesday, extending the single flight time to two hours from around 45 minutes.

The two-seater aircraft, the RX1E-A, designed by Shenyang Aerospace University, performed the task at around 3 pm at Caihu airport in Shenyang, capital of Northeast China's Liaoning province.

The extended endurance of the plane will help it tap into markets in the United States and Europe, according to Zou Haining, deputy head of Liaoning General Aviation Academy.

In addition, the improved aircraft is equipped with a new parachute that enables safe landing of both pilot and plane.

With a maximum speed of 160 km per hour, the aircraft can be used in pilot training, passenger transportation, tourism and aerial photography.

Mass production of the first-generation type, RX1E, started in early 2016.