AR-J21

COMAC delays ARJ21 delivery again

Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China (COMAC) will delay delivery of its regional jet ARJ21 again for “one or two years” because of “inexperience in certification in terms of methods and infrastructure,” according to COMAC VP Luo Ronghuai.

The Chinese-produced regional jet was off the assembly line in December 2007 and inaugurated its maiden flight on Nov. 28, 2008. The delivery of the ARJ21 was originally slated for 2007 but was pushed to Nov. 28 for Chengdu Airlines and then delayed to this year due to the “inability of some key parts to pass flight tests”.

“We think safety is the No.1 priority compared with delivery schedule,” Luo said. COMAC now has six regional jets undergoing ground and flight tests. The jets have accumulated more than 2,800 flight hours.

COMAC has received 252 orders for the ARJ21, most of which are domestic airlines and leasing companies including GECAS, which means the aircraft must also receive an airworthiness certificate from the US FAA.

Industry analysts pointed out the continuous ARJ21 delivery delays will have a negative impact on COMAC’s C919 program.

But Luo disagreed. “The ARJ21 would help us to accumulate relevant experience in receiving an airworthiness certificate for the C919, which actually would be conducive to enhance our overall civil aircraft production level,” he said.