Regional airliner's first prototype set to roll off assembly line in September

The first MA-700 turboprop regional airliner is scheduled to roll off the assembly line in September and is likely to make its maiden flight before the end of this year, according to Aviation Industry Corp of China, developer and maker of the plane.

Zhou Guoqiang, spokesman for the State-owned aviation conglomerate, which is headquartered in Beijing, said that subcontractors started manufacturing the MA-700's components in December and some of them are set to begin delivering major parts for the aircraft's airframe this month.

"According to our schedule, the first MA-700 prototype will roll off its assembly line in September and then make preparations for its debut flight," he said on Saturday. "We will strive to conduct the maiden flight before the end of the year."