Foreign and Military Affairs

China delivers two more MA-60 aircraft to Indonesia

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-06-04 15:25

XI'AN - China delivered two more MA-60 aircraft to Indonesia Friday, completing a 15-aircraft deal clinched with Merpati Nusantara Airlines five years ago, sources with the manufacturer in Xi'an said Saturday.

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The last two aircraft in the deal flew from Yanliang Airport in Xi'an to Indonesia's Medan Airport on Friday.

The deal was signed between Xi'an Aircraft Industry (Group) Company and Merpati Nusantara Airlines in June 2006 and the first two aircraft were delivered in August 2007.

Last month, special safety audit carried out by Indonesian transport ministry indicated the MA-60 planes were proper to flight, allowing the further purchase of the plane by Merpati Nusantara Airlines.

The audit was carried out following the crash of a MA-60 plane at Kaimana gulf in West Papua of Indonesia on May 7, killing all 25 people on board.

Herry Bhakti S. Gumay, director general for air transport at the Transport Ministry, also said after investigation the MA-60 planes were "good and airworthy".

MA-60 is designed for short and medium-range commuter services. Due to its low operational and maintenance costs, MA-60 has sold well in Africa and Southeast Asia since 2005.