Chinese manufacturer Xian Aircraft appears to have reached an agreement to supply new MA60 turboprops to Tajikistan's national carrier Tajik Air.

The airline's managing director Alimurod Makhmadaliyev says Tajik Air signed a purchase agreement covering two of the type earlier this year.

"All issues related to certification have been resolved," he says, referring to the type and production certificates granted to the MA60 by China's aviation authorities in May.

Tajik Air plans to use 50-seat MA60s to replace Antonov An-24s. Makhmadaliyev would not elaborate on the delivery schedule or financial scheme behind the deal.

Previously, the state-owned carrier contemplated taking a long-term, low interest loan from China's government to finance the MA60 acquisition under sovereign guarantees.

Xian Aircraft MA-60
 © AVIC International

Source: Flight International