Aviation Industry Corporation of China (Avic) has chosen Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW150C engine to power the new MA700 regional turboprop, P&WC (Exhibit Outdoor Exhibit 3/4) announced at Farnborough 2014. The PW150C will provide increased performance over the PW150A turboprop designed for the Bombardier Q400, the manufacturer said.

Avic officially launched the MA700 program in December in Beijing. Expected to enter service in 2019, the 80-seat turboprop is positioned to serve medium-sized markets and operate most efficiently on routes of about 430 nm. Avic’s Xi’an Aircraft Co. will build the aircraft.

P&WC’s PW127J engine powers Avic Xi’an’s MA60/600 regional aircraft. “We are pleased to be building our decades-long relationship with Pratt & Whitney Canada by selecting the PW150C for our newest regional turboprop,” said Pang Zhen, Avic vice president of commercial programs. “By supporting the development and launch of this new aircraft, P&WC is playing an important role in helping us better serve our valued customers in China and internationally.”