Quantcast

Chinese twin-turboprop airliners find niche markets worldwide

These Frequent Fliers Are Done With Loyalty Programs
JetBlue accepting Venmo as payment method for flights purchased through mobile app
United Airlines stock rallies on results, as growing demand wasn’t just about premium seats
American Halts CRJ-200 Operations
Shanghai Airlines to Launch Casablanca Route
Delta employees to receive an average five weeks of pay in annual profit sharing
Akasa Air faces DGCA heat for lapses; warning letter issued to airline's accountable manager
Indigo Eyes European Market Amid Intensifying Competition with Air India
Air India to operate daily Delhi-Prayagraj flights for Maha Kumbh
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
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

Delta Air Lines is adjusting its service between Atlanta and Anchorage, extending flights beyond the summer travel season to a year-round offering.

May 15, 2025

Copa Airlines has announced its 55th anniversary in Colombia, emphasizing its role in connecting the country to North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean through Panama's Hub of the Americas.

Apr 11, 2025

Flying Food Group has announced a recruitment drive for various positions at its Jamaica, New York facility.

Apr 11, 2025

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has announced that Earthbar, located in Terminal 6, is offering health-conscious options for travelers.

Apr 11, 2025

Avianca has announced the launch of a new route between Bogotá and Dallas, scheduled to commence on May 26.

Apr 11, 2025

Flying Food Group has announced a recruitment drive for multiple positions at its Newark, New Jersey facility.

Apr 11, 2025