On the evening of December 21, while the whole wide world was fast asleep China’s first home-grown regional jet, ARJ21 rolled off the production line at the Shanghai Aircraft Manufacturing Factory.
     The jet, named "Xiang Feng," which means "Flying Phoenix" was unveiled at a gala ceremony.
     That name was chosen by global voting on the Internet.
     Since the launch of ARJ21 program in early 2002, it has taken five years for the first ARJ21 jet to reach its first completion milestone.
     At the ceremony came even more good news about ARJ21
Just one day before the roll-out day (December 20), ARJ21 received its largest order so far as Southern China’s Shenzhen-based Shenzhen Airlines signed a deal with AVIC I Commercial Aircraft, designer and manufacturer of ARJ21, buying 100 ARJ21 jets.
     Half of that package or 50 aircraft are firm orders with the balance listed as options.
     To date, the total order book for ARJ21 stands at 171, including two just announced orders come from a Laotian airline company.
     "Some foreign companies show increasing interest in the ARJ21 jets these days.
     “We expect to receive more overseas orders in the first half of next year," said the spokesman of AVIC I Commercial Aircraft.
     After the roll-out, about 90 tests will begin soon to prepare the new bird for its planned maiden flight in March 2008.
     Three more jets will follow this historic first one and will be utilized for tests before first delivery projected in the third quarter of 2009.
David