The Xian MA60: China’s Ambitious Regional Turboprop
The Xian MA60 (Modern Ark 60) is a twin-engine turboprop built by Xi’an Aircraft Industrial Corporation (XAC) in China. Introduced in the early 2000s, it was designed as a low-cost, versatile regional aircraft to serve short-haul routes, particularly in developing markets where rugged performance and affordability matter more than advanced avionics.
Design & Performance
The MA60 is based on the earlier Chinese-built Yun-7 (Y-7), itself derived from the Soviet An-24. As a result, its design philosophy is simple, sturdy, and utilitarian.
Key characteristics:
- Engines: 2× Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127J turboprops
- Typical capacity: 50–60 passengers
- Range: approx. 1,600 km
- Cruise speed: ~430 km/h
- Takeoff & landing: Performs well on short, semi-prepared runways, making it suitable for remote or underserved airports.
Operational Footprint
The MA60 found early success in Asia, Africa, and the Pacific, supported by attractive financing from China’s export programs. Operators included:
- Lao Airlines
- Nepal Airlines
- Tonga’s Real Tonga
- Air Zimbabwe
- Zambia’s Proflight
- Various smaller carriers in Africa and Southeast Asia
China frequently supplied MA60s as aid packages, making the aircraft a diplomatic tool as much as a commercial product.
Safety Record & Controversy
The aircraft has been the subject of international scrutiny due to a series of incidents and accidents. While some issues were attributable to pilot training and challenging airport environments, the MA60 earned a reputation for:
- Inconsistent quality standards
- Limited global certification (it lacks FAA and EASA approval)
- Complex maintenance logistics outside China
Because of this, several airlines phased out the type early, and some countries declined to accept donated aircraft.
Advantages
Despite its controversies, the MA60 does offer benefits:
- Low acquisition cost compared to Western turboprops
- Solid short-field performance
- Wide cabin for its class
- Simple, rugged engineering suitable for harsh operating conditions
Successor: The MA600 & MA700
The MA60 program evolved into the MA600, featuring upgraded avionics and improved reliability. China also developed the MA700, aiming for a more competitive platform, though it has faced production delays.
Verdict
The Xian MA60 represents an interesting chapter in modern aviation — a bold attempt by China to enter the regional turboprop market. While it never achieved mainstream acceptance, especially in Western markets, it played a significant role in connecting remote communities across Asia and Africa and demonstrated China’s growing aerospace ambitions.