The upgraded China-made regional aircraft Modem Ark (MA) 600 rolled off line on Sunday, accelerating China's drive to be the world's leading provider of turbo-prop regional aircraft.

The research and development of the 70-seat MA700 also started, head of the preparation group for the China aviation industry group corporation Lin Zuomin announced on a ceremony held in the Xi'an Aircraft Industry (Group) Company Ltd.

The 60-seat MA600, an improved version of MA60, is 300 kilogrammes lighter than the old model with enhanced energy-saving capacity. Improvements were made in the power system, cabin designing and trans-ocean flight capacities, said president of the Xi'an Company Meng Xiangkai.

Five years later, China will be able to deliver its own turbo-prop regional jet series, featuring MA60, MA600, MA700 catered to different kinds of end users, said Lin Zuomin. The country will strive to be the world's leading provider of turbo-prop regional aircraft, he said.

Powered by the Pratt and Whitney PW-127J turboprop engines, MA60 is China's first homegrown regional plane designed and produced in line with leading international standards. The plane, with a maximum speed of 514 km/h and a flight range of 2,450 km or four hours, was first tested in 1993 and granted the type certificate in June 2000 with commuter services as its primary roles.

It has received 122 orders, of which 15 have been exported to Africa including Zimbabwe and Zambia.

(Xinhua News Agency June 29, 2008)