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.