China's first self-designed civil aircraft ARJ21 were in full manufacturing period, according to the source from the China Aviation Industry Corporation I (AVIC I).

China's civil aviation experts all regarded ARJ21 as a strategic key project in the history of aircraft manufacturing.

The project has so far achieved progress in marketing, designing, production and customer service. Some 41 orders have been signed for the ARJ21.

The project should depend on advanced technologies in order to sharpen its competitive edge. The aircraft should also receive foreign orders and gain international air worthiness certificate, said Liu Gaozhuo, general manager of the AVIC I.

He said China should own intellectual property rights in developing civil aviation industry. ARJ21 is a typical international cooperation, with China being the main manufacturer.

(Xinhua News Agency January 17, 2006)