China needs 630 regional jets in 20 years

Embraer says China will need about 630 regional jets in the next 20 years. The company believes that China will have a demand for more regional jets, which currently total 72, or just 7.2 percent of the total fleet of 1,024. Embraer entered the Chinese market in 2000 and eventually established Harbin Embraer Aircraft Industry Co., a joint venture with a local partner. Harbin produced ERJ 145 short-haul planes. China is now manufacturing the ARJ-21, the first China-designed regional aircraft. The ARJ-21, developed by AVIC 1 Commercial Aircraft, is expected to roll out of the factory by the end of the year. ARJ-21’s maiden flight is next March, with production to begin in 2009. The aircraft will boost China’s capability to produce its own aircraft. The ARJ-21 is in preparation for China’s entry into the manufacturing of big jets with 150 seats.