China's AVIC Aircraft Xi'An Aircraft Company (XAC) and Dowty Propellers have signed a letter of intent to provide propeller systems for the new MA700 aircraft.

AVIC Aircraft Xi'An Aircraft Company Director and General Manager Wang Chengkuan, and Oliver Towers, President of Dowty Propellers, signed the LOI for the MA700 aircraft's propeller system at the 2014 Farnborough Air Show. Also in attendance were AVIC Aircraft Director and General Manager Chen Fusheng and Brad Mottier and Xiang Weiming, Dowty Propellers' shareholder representatives.

The propeller to be provided by Dowty Propellers builds on more than 75 years of experience in propeller design, manufacture and support, and incorporates new blade aerodynamic designs, along with a highly-reliable and proven propeller system. The propeller will allow the aircraft to deliver optimal levels of endurance and fuel efficiency, while achieving a low-noise environment for the cabin, and competitive life-cycle costs.

As an all-new generation of turboprop aircraft, the MA700's range of 800 km. positions it in the medium capacity sector of regional air transport, with the capability of operating in high altitude, high temperature locations.