Chinese commercial airliner takes to the skies
China’s first home-grown commercial airliner has completed its maiden test flight, the BBC has reported. The 90-seat took off from Shanghai ARJ-21 for a one-hour debut flight, during which it did not rise above 900 metres in altitude due to safety reasons.
Its manufacturer expects it to fly distances up to 3,700km, and compete in the marketplace with established planemakers such as Airbus, Boeing, Embraer and Bombardier.
Each jet will cost US$27 million with the first deliveries expected to take place within 18 months.
The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (CACC) say they have secured over 200 orders, including five firm orders from GE Commercial Aviation Services at last month’s Airshow China in Zhuhai. GE reportedly have an option for a further 20 jets.
CACC General Manager, Jin Zhuanglong, said; “With less fuel consumption and longer flight hours, the ARJ-21 will reduce air fares by 8% to 10% for Chinese airlines, most of whom currently use large aircraft above 140 seats on short and medium routes.”
One of the three pilots on board the maiden flight, Zhao Peng, said the jet was “normal and the flight was smooth”.
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