Today in Shanghai the Chinese aviation group AVIC1 Commercial Aircraft Co. LTD (ACAC) is celebrating the roll-out of the regional jet ARJ21. FACC AG is responsible for the development and production of the complete passenger cabin.

In March 2004, the aircraft manufacturer ACAC, headquartered in Shanghai, gave FACC the contract for the design and production of the complete interior of the regional aircraft ARJ21. FACC is now working on the qualification of the components as well as on the production of the first complete cabin, which contains a multiplicity of different components – from cockpit dividers to the hatracks, ceiling and sidewall panels and the equipment for the galley, wardrobe, toilets, lavatory and floor coverings. The components for the first two test flight units were delivered in the period July until November 2007. In March 2008 FACC will deliver the first complete interior for the new ARJ21 to ACAC Shanghai where the final assembly of the Chinese regional jet will take place.

"In this program we can take advantage of our years of experience and our extensive expertise as an innovative manufacturer of interiors of single-aisle aircraft such as the A320 and the Boeing 717", says Walter Stephan, CEO of FACC. "It is important for us that FACC is one of the main suppliers for the Chinese regional jet ARJ21 and thus can further develop its presence in an aerospace market that is characterized by strong growth."

FACC's interior for the Chinese regional jet excels by its modern design. Its roominess and excellent acoustics offer passengers maximum comfort. Trimming costs and increasing efficiency are major focal points of FACC's development of the series production planned for mid 2008.

The ARJ21, the Advanced Regional Jet for the 21st Century, is the first regional jet aircraft to be entirely designed and built in the People's Republic of China. The program was begun in 2002. The ARJ21 is a regional jet that is designed for both the Chinese and the international market. It is meant for medium-range as well as short-range flights and will primarily service secondary routes in western China which transport fewer passengers. The maiden flight of the basic model ARJ21-700 with up to 90 seats is planned for March 2008. ACAC is planning to put the jet into service in September 2009. During the roll-out ceremony ACAC has announced a large order for 50 ARJ21 aircraft plus an additional 50 on option. To date, 121 firm orders for the ARJ21 have been placed by various Chinese airlines and leasing companies. In addition to the ARJ-700, ACAC will offer the ARJ21-900 model, which with its lengthened fuselage will carry 90 to 105 passengers.