China Economic Review
Charting China’s changing economic terrain · Since 1990
ARJ21-700 tests could aid international sales
September 17, 2009
The third ARJ21-700 jet, China’s self-developed regional jet, had its first trial flight successfully in Shanghai. ARJ-21, short for "Advanced Regional Jet for the 21st Century," features safety, low price and an ability to operate at high altitude airfields. The first homegrown ARJ-21 jet, with 90 seats, rolled off the production line in Shanghai Aircraft Manufacturing Factory on Dec. 21, 2007.This new flight brings the ARJ21 model one step closer to secure airworthiness qualifications from home and abroad.
The trial flight of the ARJ21-700 at an altitude of 3,000 meters and a speed equivalent to 318 kilometers per hour lasted 56 minutes.
COMAC announced that a fourth jet would be put to test this year and go through all tests in relation to the airworthiness certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States Department of Transportation.
According to plans, the ARJ21 regional jet should secure domestic airworthiness qualification by the end of 2010 and be authorized by the FAA by 2012.
China View reports 208 orders so far from home and from leasing services abroad. The biggest step will be when it receives firm orders from widely known overseas airlines.