China to deliver two 50-seat MA60 planes to Bolivia

• the total order up to 116

China will deliver two MA60 regional planes to Bolivia in February, the first Chinese aircraft to enter South America, China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corp (CATIC) said on Friday.

The 50-seat MA60, produced by China Aviation Industry Corp I (AVIC I), has received 116 orders, 86 of which are from overseas. The planes have been delivered to Zimbabwe, Laos, Zambia and the Republic of Congo.

Chinese government is now working on a plan to restructure and consolidate the businesses of the country's two leading aviation manufacturers--AVIC I and AVIC II, aiming to develop its own large commercial airplane. Details of the plan are expected to be announced in March.

CATIC, in which AVIC I and AVIC II each hold 50 percent stakes, handles over 80 percent of the country's aviation imports and exports.

(China daily)