DUSHANBE, February 28, Asia-Plus - Specialists from China’s Xian Aircraft Company (XAC) have presented technical and economical parameters of its short and medium haul feeder liner M-60 to leadership of Tajik State Air Company TajikAir.

A source at Tajik national air carrier said that the presentation was held on February 26.  “Before making decision on leasing this aircraft, TajikAir specialists should thoroughly study its parameters in terms of fitness of MA-60 flights operated by Tajik air carrier,” the source said, adding that TajikAir also should count up its financial potentialities to lease this aircraft.

We will recall that XAC has offered Tajik national air two MA-60s for leasing.  This issue was considered during President Rahmonov’s visit to China.  Suring a 23 January briefing in Dushanbe it was noted that if experts find this type plane economically efficient, TajikAir will lease two MA-60.  According to experts, MA-60s could replace Russian type An-24s on the domestic flights and air routes from Dushanbe to Kabul and Bishkek.

MA-60 had its demonstration flight in Beijing in March 2000.  MA-60 was developed and manufactured by XAC subordinated to China’s First Group of Aviation Industry in order to meet China’s market call for feeder liners. Designed with upper single wings, dual turbine engines, the short and medium haul feeder liner is the first of its kind in China.  The liner is 24.708 meters long, 8.853 meters high, with a wingspan of 29.2 meters and 56 seats.  According to information posted on XAC website, MA-60 has been proved to be safe, economical and comfortable.  The price of the MA-60 stands only about two thirds of the aircraft of the same kind made by foreign manufactures.  And the direct operation cost is 10 to 20 % lower.  According to XAC, it is predicted that China will have a domestic market demand for 400 feeder liners in next 2 decades and great market perspectives are expected in Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America.