The Comac ARJ21-700 regional jet, which is China’s first domestically produced aircraft, has received type certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China.

It has been more than 12 years in development and started the certification process in 2012. The company has secured ‘commitments’ for 278 ARJ21 jet aircraft, mainly from Chinese airlines and leasing companies.

At a ceremony held at Beijing Airport to mark the certification, China’s vice-premier Ma Kai said: “The certification of the ARJ21 demonstrates that China’s independently developed and manufactured planes have already boasted the conditions for safe flying.”

David Joyce — CEO of GE Aviation, which is supplying the jet’s CF34-10A engines — said: “This certification is a monumental achievement for Comac, and GE is honoured to play a significant role in the ARJ21 aircraft program. Our team is proud to be more than a strategic participant in the development of China’s aviation industry.”

The ARJ21 had its first launch in 2008 and has accumulated over 5,000 flight-hours. The jet seats 90 passengers in economy configuration. Its first customer — Comac subsidiary Chengdu Airlines — expects the jet to go into service in the spring.