Quantcast

Chinese twin-turboprop airliners find niche markets worldwide

American Halts CRJ-200 Operations
Shanghai Airlines to Launch Casablanca Route
Engine maker agrees to compensate WizzAir for grounded planes
Turkish Airlines’ flights are riddled with bedbugs, passengers say
British Airways frequent flyers react to Executive Club changes
Inside the short-lived, men-only flights where kids and women were banned but cigar and pipe smoking were rife
China steps up drive to break Boeing, Airbus grip on plane market
Heathrow’s New York service clings to spot in top aviation routes
Airline praises pilots in crash-landing where both died but nearly half the passengers survived
Mexico state airline to buy five Embraer planes next year
A record number of people are expected to fly over the holidays. That's good for travel stocks, but not for passengers.
American Airlines technical issue sparks travel chaos on Christmas Eve as flights heavily delayed after being grounded
Why United Airlines has had such a stellar year despite being Boeing's biggest customer
JetBlue nixing routes between multiple major cities, reducing several others
Airline Stocks Led The Travel Industry's Record 2024 Rally. Here's What's Next.
It’s beginning to look like another record for holiday travel
Qatar Airways cleans up at the World Travel Awards
All of the strikes at European airports this winter – find out if you are affected
Meet the CEO trying to turn around Air India, the 92-year-old airline with a pile of problems
Skiplagging: Unpacking the Risky Travel Trend That Involves Tricking Airlines
Qantas engineers walk off job on one of the busiest travel days of the year
South Korea to safeguard competition after Korean Air, Asiana merger
China Southern returns to Adelaide
Global Airline Industry Revenues Forecast To Top $1 Trillion For First Time In 2025
EasyJet to launch six new routes from the UK next year with £24 flights
Here's Why Analysts Say It's a Good Time to Buy Airline Stocks
A No-Frills Airline Is Getting Into the Premium Game
TAKING OFF: Major airline introduces new inflight service rules with less time to order your drinks
2 Delta flight attendants fail breathalyzer test before flight to JFK
EasyJet reveals plans for new flights from regional UK airport next summer
Chinese twin-turboprop airliners find niche markets worldwide
Policy
Webp 9d8e4n9zvnq6npvse1f7c4oouh5n
Airbus A380 | Airbus

The Xi'an MA60 and MA600 are two twin-turboprop airliners produced by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), a state-owned aerospace and defense conglomerate. These aircraft have carved out a niche in regional and emerging markets, offering cost-effective alternatives to Western and Russian turboprops.

AVIC, founded in 1951 and headquartered in Beijing, plays a significant role in China's aviation industry. The corporation has operations in over 30 countries and encompasses numerous subsidiaries, including Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation, which manufactures the MA60 and MA600.

According to Aviation Week, these aircraft are stretched variations of the Soviet-designed Antonov An-24. This design provides excellent stability for short regional flights and operations from rough or unpaved runways. By building on this framework, Xi’an Aircraft Industrial Corporation created aircraft suited to developing aviation markets while integrating newer technology.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The MA60 was introduced in 2000 with Sichuan Airlines as its launch customer. It is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127J engines. Over time, it has been operated by several airlines such as Lao Airlines, Nepal Airlines, Myanmar National Airlines, and Merpati Nusantara Airlines.

In 2010, AVIC launched the MA600 as an improved variant of the MA60. It offers upgrades like enhanced avionics for better flight management, improved fuel efficiency, refined cabin design for passenger comfort, and reduced maintenance costs.

Despite being niche aircraft, the MA60 and MA600 have found demand across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and even government sectors for utility roles. A notable example is the delivery of an MA600 to the Malawian government in 2022.

These Chinese-made airliners may not be widely recognized globally but continue to build a reputation as affordable options for regional carriers with AVIC's support.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Long Beach Airport has announced a new daily nonstop service to Baltimore Washington International (BWI) through Southwest Airlines.

Jun 7, 2025

Lidl workers in Belgium initiated a strike and blockades on June 5, following similar actions in France and Italy.

Jun 6, 2025

Delta Air Lines is expanding its flight offerings for the 2025 pro football season, introducing new routes and increasing capacity to accommodate fans traveling to major games.

Jun 6, 2025

National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen addressed the U.S. House Aviation Subcommittee, emphasizing the urgent need to reform the nation's air traffic control (ATC) infrastructure.

Jun 6, 2025

Last month, over 130 volunteers from Delta Air Lines and several partner organizations collaborated to construct a new playground in College Park, Georgia.

Jun 6, 2025

Walking together on Omaha Beach, 19-year-old college student Caleb Walker and 101-year-old WWII veteran Jack Myers reflected on the sacrifices made during the D-Day invasion.

Jun 6, 2025