China’s state-owned aircraft maker is ready to deliver the country’s first homegrown regional airliner.
The first two of the ARJ21-700 regional jets have been completed for a Chinese carrier, Chengdu Airlines, according to Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China Ltd. The company said it has 252 orders.
China launched the ARJ21 project in 2002 in an attempt to break into the Western-dominated aircraft market.
China is expected to become one of the world’s biggest aircraft markets over the next two decades.
Comac’s larger C919, now under development, is a single-aisle jet meant to compete with Boeing and Airbus. It can seat up to 168 passengers and has a planned range of 4,000-5,100 kms (2,500-3,200 miles).
Low cost carrier Ryanair is reported to have signed memorandums of understanding about its intention to purchase the aircraft.
