Chinese airframer Comac has completed crosswind validation tests for its ARJ21 regional jet programme.
Aircraft 102 took off from Jiayuguan airport in the Gansu province on 28 April for Xian Yanliang airport, marking the end of more than four years of crosswind tests.
It has also started night test flights on the regional jet to verify that the cockpit lighting system, navigation lights, landing lights and other components of the lighting system meet airworthiness standards, says Comac.
Separately, Comac also met with launch customer Chengdu Airlines to discuss and prepare for the ARJ21's entry into service, as the regional jet continues to work towards type certification.
The airframer, together with the major system suppliers, will ensure onsite support for the customer and smooth operations of the aircraft in the initial period, says Comac.
Comac said at Airshow China in Zhuhai last year that it is targeting to receive certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China for the ARJ21 in the first half of 2013, and aims to deliver the aircraft to Chengdu Airlines by 2014.
The ARJ21, a project that was started around 11 years ago, was initially scheduled for delivery in 2007. The deadline however was pushed back several times as engineers encountered problems in the development as well as certification processes.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
