Commercial Aircraft of China (Comac) is aiming fly the ARJ21-700 this month for the first time and has ambitious plans for its larger commercial aircraft.

Comac has been conducting low-speed taxiing tests of the 90-seat ARJ21-700, say industry sources involved in the ARJ21 programme. They say Comac aims to conduct the first flight around the middle of this month but plans to wait until 15 November before committing to a date.

The aircraft manufacturer made changes to the software on the aircraft so it is waiting for approval from the regulator for these changes, the sources add.

At the Zhuhai Airshow, GE Commercial Aviation Services placed a firm order for five ARJ21-700s with options for 20 more. GE makes the CF34 engines that power the aircraft. A senior Comac official says having GECAS as a customer is significant beca

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