MA60

Description: The Modern Ark MA60 is an advanced regional turboprop aircraft developed in China by Xian Aircraft Company (XAC) and marketed by CATIC. The aircraft features operational flexibility, low acquisition and operating costs making it highly suitable for carriers with low budgets. XAC used an stretched version of its Y7-200A, a version of the Antonov An-24 transport aircraft, to develop this turboprop airliner. The MA60 aircraft meets the regulations of CCAR Part 25 and FAR Part 25 and is certified by Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC). The first production aircraft was delivered to a Chinese carrier in August 2000. As of late 2010, CATIC and XAC report sales of 250 aircraft through 2016.

The aircraft has been designed to carry 52, 56 or 60 passengers inside its high comfort cabin over ranges of 1,400 kilometers covering short and regional routes. The MA60 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW-127J turboprops rated at 2,880-shp each and driving four-blade propellers and is equipped with advanced avionics. Overall, the MA60 design focuses on frequent commuter operations in all weather conditions and operating from "hot and high" airfields. Besides, the aircraft also can be used for the transport of cargo specially by military customers.

In addition to the passenger transport role, the MA60 is suitable for VIP, troops and cargo transport; maritime patrol; medical evacuation; and paratroopers delivery missions. In November 2004, CATIC achieved an important milestone by signing the first export order with Air Zimbabwe. Air Zimbabwe's two MA60s were delivered in April 2005. In April 2005, CATIC signed another export order with Air Fiji for one MA60. Thereafter, export agreements have been signed with customers in Eritrea and Republic of Congo. Military export customers include Bolivia (2), Ecuador (4), Ghana (2), Sri Lanka (4) and Zambia (4).