The company has already delivered six MA60s, designed for short and medium-range commuter services, to customers in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Laos and the Republic of Congo, said Wang Dawei, deputy president of the China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation, XAC's export agent.

Five more of the 60-seat planes will be delivered to foreign customers by the end of the year.

The MA60, an improved version of the Y7-200A, uses imported engines, turbo propellers and electronic equipment. XAC believes it is one of the best turbo-prop regional airplanes in the world.

According to Wang Dawei, MA60 planes have proved highly reliable and economically competitive in more than a year of operation at Air Zimbabwe.