Aircraft
ARJ21 first flight marks China’s return to jet set
After eight years of design and development, the flight-test program for the ARJ21-700, China’s first homemade regional jet, got under way with its maiden

After eight years of design and development, the flight-test program for the ARJ21-700, China’s first homemade regional jet, got under way with its maiden flight on November 28.

The manufacturer, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac), deemed the hour-long first flight, which reached altitudes of 9,000 feet, successful. It plans to deploy four aircraft during the 14-month flight-test program to support certification and entry into commercial service next year.