Cessna-AVIC Aircraft (Zhuhai) Co handed over the third of three Cessna Citation 560 XLS+ jets, all assembled in Zhuhai, to the Flight Inspection Center of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), on Nov 6 at Airshow China.

The general assembly, painting, and furnishing of the aircraft, as well as their flight tests, were done by a joint venture set up for that purpose in 2012. The venture is led by Cessna Aircraft Co, a leading American general aviation aircraft manufacturer, and China Aviation Industry General Aircraft (CAIGA), an arm of Aviation Industry Corp of China (AVIC).

Delivery signed for [Photo provided by China Aviation Industry General Aircraft]

The 560 XLS+ jet has a maximum cruising speed of 817 kmph (508 mph) and upmost economical range of 3,889 km (2,417 miles). It is capable of climbing to 13,716 m (45,000 ft) in 30 minutes and has a take-off distance no more than 1,085 m (3,560 feet).

The first two aircraft have flown an average of 1,300 hours since delivery on July 1 and Nov 1, surpassing most competing products.

The CAAC Flight Inspection Center is the country's only such institution.

Airshow China, the country's only one endorsed by the central government, is being held through Nov 11 in Jinwan District.