Chinese aircraft-maker Xian Aircraft has delivered two MA600 turboprop aircraft to the air force in Malawi, a further sign that Chinese aircraft-makers are continuing to gain traction in developing countries.
Xian Aircraft’s parent company, Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), says it successfully delivered the two aircraft to the Malawi Air Force after a five-day ferry flight through 13 countries.
It says the MA600 is an improved version of the MA60 with new passenger cabin, new avionics system and Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127J turboprop engines with a higher thrust rating.
Chinese and Malawi government officials attended the aircraft welcome ceremony at Chileka International Airport, near Malawi’s second largest city of Blantyre.
Delivery of these two MA600s to Malawi demonstrates “the aviation industry has made new progress in practicing the ‘belt and road” initiative and serving the national economy and people’s livelihood in Africa through Chinese civil aircraft,” AVIC adds. The ‘belt and road’ initiative is a plan outlined by China’s current president Xi Jinping to link China, Asia, Africa and Europe via Chinese infrastructure projects that improve transportation links.
Feature picture, from Malawi24.com, show the two MA600s in the African country and sporting Malawi Air Force livery.
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