BEIJING, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Large parts delivery of China-developed MA700 turboprop regional aircraft will start this month, according to its developer Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) Saturday.

The MA700 project is following its development schedule to meet the targets of rolling off the production line this September, AVIC said.

The aircraft aims to conduct its maiden flight within the year, AVIC added.

To date, the project is in the trial production and test phase. Major parts assembly work of the plane's nose, wings, forebody and cargo door are underway.

The MA700 turboprop is the third member of China's "Modern Ark" regional airplane family following the MA60 and MA600, which are all developed by the AVIC XAC Commercial Aircraft (AVIC XACC) in Xi'an.

The MA700, an upgraded version with high-speed and high adaptability, is designed with a maximum speed of 637 km per hour and a single-engine ceiling of 5,400 meters.

It is designed for airports with high temperatures, high altitudes and short runway conditions and can operate in complex air route conditions.

To date, it has received 285 intended orders from 11 customers at home and abroad, said AVIC.