Xi’an, Antonov to develop turboprop

Xi’an Aircraft Industry, an affiliate of China Aviation Industry Corp. 1 (AVIC 1), and Antonov Aeronautical Scientific/Technical Complex (ASTC) signed a cooperation agreement on August 25 to develop the MA700 turboprop regional aircraft. The signing coincided with the visit of the Chinese delegation led by Li Yuhai, AVIC 1 general manager, to Antonov. The group met with Dmytro Kiva, general designer of Antonov ASTC and vice general designer. The delegation visited aircraft research sites such as the Antonov Strength Laboratory, test flight and adjustment base. Li, who represented General Manager Lin Zuoming of AVIC 1, expressed cooperation with Antonov in developing civil aircraft. Xi’an and Antonov will hold talks and sign the official agreement for the MA700 by the end of October.