The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China’s ARJ -21 regional jet took flight above the Shanghai skies November 28 as the country’s first regional jet. The product of the Shanghai Aircraft Manufacturing Factory, the 90-seat jet has a range of 2,225 km with a full load and 3,700 km maximum range. Its maiden flight lasted an hour, according to Xinhua News Agency, taking off just after Chair Zhang Qingwei released the three pilots for takeoff at 12:23 pm local time. It reached 9,000 feet.
Scheduled for certification in 2010, the maiden flight took place 11 months after the jet rolled off the production line and after several delays. Even so, it paves the way for China’s entrance into the jumbo jet market, according to CAAC General Manager Jin Zhuanglong. Annual production is expected to be 20 for the first year with a goal of reaching 50 at the Shanghai facility alone.
The Advanced Regional Jet for the 21st Century (ARJ) currently has 208 orders including 25 from GE Capital. It is powered by the GE CF34-10A. Bombardier is also participating in the project in a reciprocal investment/production deal.