An agreement exporting 20 "Xinzhou 60", a turbo prop regional jet independently developed by China, was signed December 20 in Beijing. The deal, valuing about 2 billion yuan, will be realized before 2006. This is China's first export of self-made regional jet.

Developed by Xi'an Aircraft Industry (Group) Company Ltd., "Xinzhou 60" has been proved by a large number of tests having reached world standards in being safe, economical and comfortable, while with its price standing at only two thirds of its foreign counterparts and a direct utilization cost 10-20 percent lower.

It is expected that by 2007 the number of exported "Xinzhou 60" will increase to 50, a person in charge from China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation said.

By People's Daily Online