SHANGHAI, March 1(Xinhuanet)-- China's first self-designed feeder passenger jet, the Advanced Regional Jet in the 21st century(ARJ21), is expected to make its maiden flight in 2008, sources said here Wednesday.

The structural drawing of the turbo fan jet has passed appraisal by concerned state department and component parts of the jet are expected to go into production soon, said an official with the East China Management Bureau of the General Civil Aviation Association of China.

The new regional jet, with 70-90 seats, will be powered by a CF34-10A engine made by the General Electric Company. Other component parts of the jet will be manufactured by domestic enterprises.

The jet can adjust to the high altitudes and high temperatures of China's western airports and can also provide a more comfortable environment for passengers, according to the official.

With a length of more than 31 meters and eight meters high, the jet can fly at the height of 39,000 feet and reach the speed of 450 nautical miles per hour.

The ARJ21 program was formally approved in 2002. The jet is expected to go into batch production in 2009.

Insiders said that China needs about 700 feeder passenger aircraft with 70-90 seats in the coming 20 years and ARJ21 just could meet the demand.

ARJ21 is the first regional jet that China has fully developed on its own, in accordance with the standards set by the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China, Federal Aviation Administration and Joint Aviation Authorities.

Currently, 40 orders for the jet have been received.

(2006-03-01 06:26:19 Xinhua English)