China has completed the construction of the first unit of its MA 600 turboprop

China has completed the construction of the first unit of its MA 600 turboprop, an improved version of the MA 60, with which it aims to challenge Bombardier or ATR, reported the local media. The ‘Modern Ark 600’ (MA 600) is a 60-seat aircraft, lighter than the 50- to 60-seat MA 60. The MA family is manufactured by Xi’an Aircraft, in partnership with Avic 1, and should take its flight tests in September. AFP (30/06)