Xian Aircraft (XAC) has secured a firm order from the Nepalese air force for two MA60 turboprops and signed non-binding agreements with two potential new operators in Africa.
XAC says the Nepal government in August signed firm orders with the China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC) for two VIP-configured MA60s to be delivered within the next two years. XAC says Nepal also has expressed interest in acquiring two more MA60s.
The ministry of transport in the Democratic Republic of Congo has signed a letter of intent for three MA60s and national carrier Eritrea Airlines has also signed a letter of intent for three MA60s.
Air Zimbabwe signed up as the MA60’s international launch customer last year, with an order for three aircraft. Two of these have already been delivered and the third will be delivered in March or April next year.
Xian Aircraft also secured a firm order earlier this year from Air Fiji for one MA60 for delivery by November 2006. XAC says it is now heavily targeting Latin America, particularly Cuba, and South-East Asia, namely Malaysia, for sales of the 50- to 60-seat turboprop.
Source: Flight International