Reports 41 Orders From Domestic Airlines

The Chinese Central government is reporting the country's first homegrown regional-jet effort, the ARJ-21, has received 41 orders to date from that country's airlines. The news originated from the aircraft's manufacturer, China Aviation Industry Corporation I (AVIC I).

"It is reported that ARJ21 passenger plane has set a precedent in civil planes manufacturing in accordance to international practice and market principal," said the Chinese government, in a press release. "So far manufacturing of the plane is underway."

Major components of the airliner -- including the radar cover, nose and fuselage -- are expected to be completed this year, with first flight expected in 2007. The airliner -- which is similar both in size and general layout to the McDonnell-Douglas DC-9 -- is expected to be offered for sale in 2009.

As has been reported in Aero-News, China's decision to produce a homegrown jet airliner (previously, the country has relied on outside manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus, as well as building licensed versions of Russian aircraft) comes as the commercial air travel market -- like much of the country's economy -- is experiencing explosive growth.

By the end of 2006, China expects to add as many as 142 aircraft to its commercial fleet, to carry as many as 159 million passengers -- and that's just a start.

The country also recently ordered as many as 150 Airbus aircraft for its domestic airlines, in a deal valued at $10 billion list that will also bring an Airbus maintenance and repair facility to the country.

FMI: www.avic1.com.cn/English/EnglishIndex.asp