The order for the home-grown jet ARJ-21s was the highlight of the international air show which began yesterday in Beijing.

The planes, developed by China Aviation Industry Corp I (AVIC I) Commercial Aircraft Co Ltd (ACAC), were ordered by Shandong Airlines Corp Ltd and Shenzhen Financial Leasing Corp Ltd.

The deals brought to 35 the total number of Chinese-designed aircraft, which will be used for feeder flights in 2007. Previously, a five-plane order was signed between Shanghai Aviation Industrial (Group) Corp and the developer.

ACAC General Manager Tang Xiaoping said with the completion of designs for the aircraft body and undercarriage, his company will start to manufacture the turbo fan regional jets by the end of this year.

First launched in October 2000, the project was listed in the 10th Five-Year Plan (2001-05) in 2001. Since then, research and preparation for the new turbofan aircraft has gone smoothly.

Two models of the new plane will be produced, seating 78 to 85 passengers and flying 2,225 kilometers and 3,700 kilometers respectively.

All the electrical equipment and undercarriage and body materials will be sourced through tenders on the world market.

Though the feeder flight market is in its infancy in China, it has strong prospects and will become a new growth engine for the aviation industry, said Tang.

According to Tang, ARJ21 planes will be equipped with General Electric engines, Parker Hannifin fuel and hydraulic systems and Liebherr air conditioning and landing gear systems.

At yesterday's signing ceremony, the buyers spoke highly of the ARJ21 planes, saying they are  "the right answer to the right market at the right time.''

In other developments, Peter Isendahl, director of communications with the US-based International Aero Engines, told China Daily at the air show that Air China has again selected his company as a supplier. International Aero Engines will provide clean and quiet V2500 turbofan engines for the flagship carrier's growing fleet of Airbus A320 family aircraft. The V2500-A5 engines, which will power four additional A319 single aisle planes, will be delivered between 2005 and July 2006. The engines are worth a total of US$50 million.

Apart from making deals, domestic and foreign jet producers are using the air show to display models of their new aircraft designs and are holding promotions to win more orders.

The suppliers at the show include Boeing, which mainly promoted its new 7E7 plane, and Airbus, which has introduced the A-380.

The air show, held in the China International Exhibition Center in Beijing, will last until Saturday.

(China Daily September 18, 2003)