China’s AVIC I Commercial Aircraft Company (ACAC) hopes to secure US Federal Aviation Administration certification for its ARJ21-700 large regional jet at the same time it receives Chinese approval.
ACAC is aiming to secure Chinese certification in September 2009 and for its first aircraft to go into airline service later that year, says president Zheng Qiang. Zheng told Flight International in Shanghai that while it hopes that FAA certification will be awarded simultaneously, it may take longer.
Having FAA certification would be a major advantage to gain ARJ21 sales in Western markets. Zheng says China is already working closely with the FAA, and adds that European certification will be sought in the longer term.
LEITHEN FRANCIS/SHANGHAI
Source: Flight International
