China's domestic-made turboprop, the Modern Ark 600, an upgrade of the first homegrown civil airplane, has rolled off the assembly line in northwest China's Xi'an city.

It's expected to accelerate the country's drive to be the world's leading provider of regional turboprop aircraft.

Liu Jieyin, President of the carrier OK Air, said that his company had purchased the new model.

"We choose this plane because it is an excellent product that has reached international standards. Meanwhile, the MA600 has its advantage in energy saving and emission-reduction. As oil prices keep surging now, this energy-saving plane could help reduce our costs."

Powered by Pratt and Whitney PW-127J turboprop engines, the MA600 is designed and produced according to leading international standards.

Chief Designer He Shengqiang from Xi'an Aircraft Industry Company said that they were excited and gratified at this moment.

"After three years of hard work, we finally see the MA600 roll off the line today. I believe the MA600 could meet the demands of our customers."

The new aircraft is scheduled to begin trials in September and will be delivered to its first customer next year.