XI'AN - China's Xi'an Aircraft International Corporation (XAIC) will sell three MA60 regional aircraft to MARS, a Ukrainian-based airline, marking the first time for China-made civil regional aircraft to enter the European market, the XAIC said Saturday.

The press release issued by the XAIC did not disclose the contractual price or the delivery date.

The deal, concluded on May 23, marks a breakthrough in China-Europe cooperation in aviation, said Jiang Jianjun, general manager of the XAIC.

Jiang said the twin-turboprop MA60 aircraft produced by the XAIC have become popular in domestic and overseas aviation markets due to the aircraft's fuel efficiency.

"Because of rising fuel prices, the fuel-efficient turboprop is expected to have bright market potential," said Jiang.

Based in Xi'an, capital of southwest China's Shaanxi province, the XAIC is a subsidiary of China Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC).

MARS is a Kiev-based private airline operating regional routes mainly with Saab 340 turboprop aircraft and Augusta helicopters.