ICBC Financial Leasing has signed a purchase agreement with Comac for 30 ARJ21-700 regional jets.

The agreement, signed on 9 March, follows ICBC’s commitment in 2011 for 45 Comac C919 narrowbody aircraft.

In a statement, Comac says the latest agreement makes ICBC its largest customer.

The Chinese aircraft manufacturer has so far secured commitments for 308 of its regional jets from 18 customers, most of which are Chinese airlines and leasing companies.

The focus for the ARJ21 programme this year is to ensure production management and operational support are in place, says Comac. Within the year, the aircraft will also be delivered to launch customer Chengdu Airlines.

The indigenous regional jet received type certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China on 30 December 2014, more than 12 years after the programme was launched.

Source: Cirium Dashboard