BEIJING, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- China's self-developed commuter aircraft, the Modern Ark 60 (MA60), has received new purchasing or leasing orders of 20 aircraft over the weekend to make its total orders to 116.

    The China Aviation Industry Corporation I (AVIC1) announced Sunday that its subsidiary, the Xi'an Aircraft Industry (Group) Company. Ltd.(XAC), has signed contracts with Yunnan Ying'an Airlines and AVIC1 Leasing Company for the purchasing and leasing of the 20 MA60 twin turbo-prop commuters.

    Of the 20 planes, 10 are purchasing and leasing contracts while the other half are orders of intent. The first 10 planes will be delivered in three batches starting in May 2008.

    MA60 is the most successful civil aviation aircraft developed by China so far. It has a maximum take-off weight of 21,800 kg and a seating capacity of up to 60 passengers.

    The XAC said the plane has been designed and developed according to the requirements of CCAR-25 and FAR-25, it's safety, reliability, comfort, economy and maintainability have reached to or are close to the level of similar advanced commuter aircraft in the world.

    MA60 has been exported to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Indonesia and other countries.