ARJ21 has been the cornerstone of China’s regional jet manufacturing dream for years.
At the recently held China Regional Aviation Forum 2006 (CRAF) the airplane was discussed in detail, up close and personal.
AVIC I, the China agency that oversees and undertook the ARJ21 program, is an oversized state-owned aviation corporation, engaged in research and production of aircraft, engine, airborne equipment and weapon fire control systems.
AVIC I among other things provides 90 percent of the Chinese army’s air armament systems.
At the opening of CRAF, Mr. Li Yuhai, Vice General Manager of AVIC I, detailed progress of ARJ21 program.
“ARJ21, China’s new-type regional jet is on the way.
“Design and production of ARJ21 is progressing in an orderly manner, with government, airworthiness evaluation authorities, clients and suppliers standing behind us.
“The tube for the first plane has been delivered as scheduled.
“As for market development, we have obtained orders of more than 41 airplanes up to the present day, and expect that in the future we will do better and our brand will be known both at home and abroad.
“We have confidence and great expectation for ARJ21.
“The first flight of ARJ21 will take in March 2008, with first delivery scheduled for the third quarter of 2009.”
Responding to FlyingTypers “question about air cargo capability of ARJ21 program,” Mr. Li said:
“ARJ21 aircraft will embark on a series of developments.
“After the baseline aircraft is born, a stretched, cargo and business jet derivative configuration will also be developed.”
Mr. Xu Chaoqun, Vice Director of Department of Flight Standards, CAAC, discussed airworthiness of and promotion measures for ARJ21 conducted by CAAC, during his speech titled:
“Taking Proactive Measures and Accelerating the Development of Regional Aviation.”
“CAAC is particularly concerned with the airworthiness and sales or leasing polices of ARJ21 project.
“In March 2003, the CAAC formally accepted ARJ21’s airworthiness application.
This was the first time that CAAC moved to certify an airworthiness application completely in accordance with the rules of CCAR25.
“Despite CAAC’s lack of experience in certifying airworthiness, we have not lowered our standard, and are closely cooperating with the United States FAA.

“By working with FAA and applicants, CAAC will speed up its airworthiness work allowing ARJ21 to enter into China skies as early as possible.
“ACP, (U.S.-China Partnership) in aviation, also has been supporting CAAC to improve its professional skills,” the executive noted.
Mr. David Wang, (right) Co-Chairman of ACP said:
“FAA has offered CAAC training in flight standards, airworthiness inspectors, integrated traffic flow management and other vital areas.
“The ARJ21 Certification Survey was completed in 2005, by both CAAC and FAA.”
About promotional measures for ARJ21, Mr. Xu Chaoqun said:
“China support for regional aircraft constructed here should include industrial policies favorable to aircraft sales and leasing.
“By offering low-interest loans, tax reduction and exemption and fiscal subsidies, the state can encourage air carriers to buy aircraft made in China while enabling them to realize a profit.
“As for domestic leasing companies interested in providing domestic aircraft, they should enjoy the same preferential purchase policies as air carriers enjoy, and the state should also provide supports such as long-term loans, financing policies, VAT exemption, reduction of investment tax and establishment of a guarantee fund for aircraft leasing.
“At present, 80% of all domestic aircraft in China service are the result of leasing.
“For financially restrained private carriers, leasing is the only source of capacity.
“To promote the sales of domestic aircraft, the establishment of a specialized leasing company may be a choice.
“With price and currency advantages, plus the state’s support, we can cultivate and explore civil aviation market,” Mr. Xu said.
As mentioned ARJ21 has finished the optimization design and entered the phase of manufacturing.
At the end of 2005, the front airframe had started assembly.
Also an ARJ21 customer support center started construction here in December 2005.
All the 41 ARJ21-700 orders come from domestic airlines: Shanghai Airlines (five), Shandong Airlines (ten), Shenzhen Financial Leasing Company (20) and Xiamen Airlines (six intent orders), while decisions are awaited for the three largest state-owned airlines requirements.