Aircraft

Xian Aircraft is making further improvements to the MA60 and has set a timescale for introducing a freighter variant, as studies into a new-generation 35- to 70-seat turboprop emerge.

"We plan to install new-generation equipment such as comprehensive display and monitoring systems and Rockwell Collins and Honeywell are helping us," says Xian Aircraft vice-president Chen Fusheng. Rockwell Collins already provides the avionics and Honeywell the displays.

"We estimate that in the first half of 2008 we will deliver MA60s with the new equipment," says Chen.

The aircraft's passenger door will be changed to incorporate stairs, removing the need for a separate stairs attachment.

So far, Xian has gained 32 orders or letters of intent from overseas customers. Of these, Air Zimbabwe accounts for three MA60s, Air Fiji one, Cuba four, the Democratic Republic of Congo three, Lao Aviation two, Indonesian state-owned carrier Merpati Nusantara 15, the Nepal air force two and the Zambia air force two - one of which was displayed at the show.

At Airshow China, China National Aero-Technology Import & Export (CATIC) signed a letter of intent (LoI) for 30. Chinese carrier Okay Airways also signed a LoI for 30 and industry sources say Okay plans to have 10 of the 30 in freighter configuration.

The MA60 is currently offered only in passenger, VIP or passenger/freighter combi configuration. "We have started the programme and at the end of 2008 or early 2009 expect to deliver the first freighter, which will be able to carry 6t of cargo," says Chen.

China is also planning a new regional turboprop, with Xian parent AVIC I studying a 35- to 70-seat next-generation turboprop, dubbed the MA70.