China-made jetliner performs well in high-plateau test flight

China's homegrown regional jetliner, the ARJ21-700, has successfully completed its trial flight on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, demonstrating its ability to fly safely at high elevations.

The regional jetliner travelled along several air routes in Qinghai Province over the course of five days last week, according to Qinghai Airport Co., Ltd.

The test included an engine-start ground test at the high altitude airport, flight performance verification testing and take-off and landing tests.

"The successful trial flight shows that the ARJ21-700 is able to fly along air routes in the region at around 3,000 meters above sea level," said Wu Zhaowei from the test verification division of the ARJ21 program department of the Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China (COMAC).

ARJ21-700, produced by COMAC, is a jet with 78 to 90 seats and a flight range of 2,225 to 3,700 km. It mainly serves China's central and western cities.

The number of passenger planes that can be used in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is limited due to thin air and complicated terrain and climate.

"If the ARJ21-700 enters the market, rural residents there will be able to travel more quickly at a cheaper price," said Meng Jun, a staff member with the Qinghai Airport Co.

In July this year, COMAC obtained a production license from the General Administration of Civil Aviation, which means it can mass produce the ARJ21-700.

Its first aircraft was delivered to Chengdu Airlines in late 2015. It has so far transported more than 20,000 passengers and received 433 orders from 20 clients.