Dubai 2011: AVIC's MA600 'Modern Ark' is on a high

The ‘MA’ in the aircraft’s designation stands for ‘modern ark’, explaining the attractive 2x2 seating. It first flew in October 2008, receiving certification in May 2010.

The 56-seater aircraft – developed from the MA60 – features enhanced passenger comfort as well as an advanced avionics system and glass cockpit (Collins Pro-Line 21) that provides integrated display, centralised control and full system maintenance diagnosis ability to improve both the reliability and maintainability of the aircraft.

As before, power is supplied by a pair of Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW127J engines that are recognised as the airline benchmark for low fuel consumption on shorter routes of 350 miles or fewer, consuming 25% to 40% less fuel and producing up to 50% fewer CO2 emissions than similar-sized regional jets.