New generation aircraft types have dramatically expanded route and market prospects for airlines, and in the longer-term new technologies will pose more opportunities and challenges for operators, according to a panel of aviation industry experts at the World Routes conference in Adelaide.

Production capacity for the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) ARJ21 has reached 30 aircraft per year with the commissioning of a second assembly line for the regional jet, the manufacturer said.

The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) plans to begin building its first C919 delivery aircraft this year, while also putting the sixth and last C919 prototype in the air.

Mitsubishi Aircraft Corp. plans to establish a footprint in the Montreal area, with the goal of creating 100 jobs in the first year focused on certification and entry into service of the SpaceJet family of regional jets.

Gulf LCC Air Arabia expects to make a decision soon on an order for either 120 Airbus A320neo family or Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, Air Arabia Group CEO Adel Al Ali said.