Xian MA60

Chinese manufacturer Xian Aircraft appears to have reached an agreement to supply new MA60 turboprops to Tajikistan's national carrier Tajik Air.

The airline's managing director Alimurod Makhmadaliyev says Tajik Air signed a purchase agreement covering two of the type earlier this year.

"All issues related to certification have been resolved," he says, referring to the type and production certificates granted to the MA60 by China's aviation authorities in May.

Tajik Air plans to use 50-seat MA60s to replace Antonov An-24s. Makhmadaliyev would not elaborate on the delivery schedule or financial scheme behind the deal.

Previously, the state-owned carrier contemplated taking a long-term, low interest loan from China's government to finance the MA60 acquisition under sovereign guarantees.

The MA600, the AVIC-produced 60-seat turboprop, began formal flight operations over the weekend when the Civil Aviation Flight University of China put it into operation to replace a phased out Yun-7.

The MA600, designed as an enhanced version of the MA60, received its airworthiness certificate from CAAC last May (ATW Daily News, May 19, 2010). AVIC subsidiary Xi'an Aircraft International Corp. started research and development on the MA600 in 2005. First flight was achieved in October 2008.

So far, the MA600 has received four firm orders, comprising two from the Civil Aviation Flight University of China and two from Lao Airlines. Joy Air, which is 95% owned by AVIC, has said it intends to order 10.

XAIC predicts that more than 300 MA600s will be needed in the global market over the next 10 years including demand for 120-150 in China. It plans to produce 10-15 annually by 2012 with an eventual ramp up to 30 per year.

The MA60 series had received 122 firm orders and 51 intended orders as of Dec. 10, 2010.