China-made jetliner flies first regional route
CHENGDU - The ARJ21, China's first homemade regional jetliner, began serving its first regional air route on Wednesday.
The airplane flew from Chengdu, capital of southwestern province of Sichuan, to Shangrao City in east China's Jiangxi Province.
The ARJ21 will fly the regional line every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, according to its operator Chengdu Airlines.
Produced by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), the ARJ21 is a jet with 78-90 seats and a flight range of 2,225 to 3,700 km. It could improve direct air service between small or medium cities. according to Chengdu Airlines.
China has in recent years sped up efforts to build its commercial aircraft industry. Besides the ARJ21-700, COMAC has also unveiled the larger C919 jet, a narrow-body jumbo jet designed to rival the updated Airbus A320 and the new Boeing B737.
- Xi Focus: Nurturing overall cooperation between China, Latin America
- New stealth fighter jet to play 'crucial role' in nation's defense
- China releases emblem commemorating 80th anniversary of victory in war against Japanese aggression
- Key role of national security stressed
- Cooperation program helps boost food output in Africa
- China launches new communication technology test satellite
