Aircraft Profile: ARJ21

The ARJ21 (Advanced Regional Jet, 21st century), which is called “Xiangfeng” (Flying Phoenix), is a key programme in China’s 11th five-year plan. It was given the official go-ahead in October 2002 with the formation of AVIC I Commercial Aircraft (ACAC).

Final assembly of the first test aircraft began on 30 March 2007 and was completed with the formal roll-out on 21 December 2007. The first flight was scheduled for March 2008, but was delayed to enable key systems suppliers to complete testing.

The first ARJ21-700 is due to make its maiden flight before the end of 2008.

The aircraft features two rear-mounted General Electric CF34-10A turbofans with FADEC, T-tail configuration, and a five-abreast cabin layout for 78 to 90 passengers in the baseline ARJ21-700.

A freighter version has been proposed that would have a 10t payload, while an auxiliary fuel tank would give the 20-seat ARJ21-700B business jet a range of 6,100km.

ACAC also has plans for a stretched 98- to 105-seat ARJ21-900, which it intends to build in partnership with Bombardier, under which the Canadian manufacturer will invest $100 million and provide technical assistance in developing the larger aircraft. Bombardier will also assist AVIC I with marketing the ARJ21-900 outside China.