China Aerospace Leasing signed a purchase agreement with Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Limited (COMAC) for 40 ARJ21-700s on the first day of Airshow China 2016 in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province.

The deal, including a confirmed order of 20 ARJ21-700s and an option of 20 more, brings the global orders for the regional jet to 413 from 19 customers, COMAC said.

China Aerospace Leasing said that apart from its business need, the aircraft order also "showed its support" for the development of home-made aircraft.

The ARJ21 entered commercial service with AVIC-owned Chengdu Airlines in June 2016. COMAC meanwhile said that the two ARJ21s delivered to Chengdu Airlines have achieved "good market performance", and that it has also received positive feedback from passengers about the jet.

"The signing of the agreement proves that the ARJ21 is obtaining more and more recognition and trust from the market," it added, "We will also continually listen to customers' opinions and market feedback, as well as further optimize the aircraft."

In addition, Longhao Airlines, a start-up cargo carrier based in Guangzhou, signed purchases agreement and cooperation framework deal with COMAC in Zhuhai.

The Chinese airframer said it will convert some ARJ21 aircraft into cargo planes for Longhao Airlines, and cooperate with the carrier in areas including purchase and maintenance as well as pilot training.

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