Chinese aircraft export sale called a landmark

Calling it a landmark for Chinese aviation, China National Aero-technology Import & Export Corp (CATIC) said it signed a US$25m deal to sell 20 60-seater MA60 passenger jets made by Xi'an Aircraft Co to undisclosed buyers, thought to be African governments. CATIC President Fu Shula called the deal "encouraging" for an industry that had long set its sights on developing an export market but had been frustrated by technical barriers put in its way by American and European competitors.