The foundation laying ceremony of ARJ21 Aircraft Consumers Supporting Center, the first large-scale civil aircrafts customers supporting center in China, was held in Shanghai Zizhu Science-based Industrial Park at 2:00 pm on 26 December, 2005. Vice Mayor of Shanghai, Mr. Hu Yanzhao, officials from Commission of Science Technology and Industry for National Defense, General Administration of Civil Aviation of China, relevant Departments of Shanghai Government, Minhang District Government and domestic airline companies and Mr. Shen Wen, Chairman of the Board and General Manager of Zizhu Science-Based Industrial Park attended the ceremony.

ARJ21 is the first medium and short range regional jet designed by Chinese with completely independent intellectual property rights, which designing standard is fully in accordance with China’s natural environment. The project is listed in National Bigness Projects Directory by State Council. The design of the aircraft is estimated to finish by the end of this year. The first flight will take off in 2008. It is reported that the ARJ21 will be one of the most advanced and comfortable regional jets in the world.

The ARJ21 aircraft customers supporting center, foundation laying today, will be the large-scale civil aircrafts customers supporting center with the combination of both the largest scale and equipped perfectly in China and integrating customer training, spare part service, customer networks service. The construction of the center is planning to be completed in June, 2007 and the center will formally bring into operation in 2008. Besides the establishment of the customers supporting center, AVIC1 Commercial Aircraft Co., Ltd. will construct its second phase construction including Headquarter and technology exchange center of the company in Zizhu Park.