Shanghai, China-based D'Long has purchased the assets of the Fairchild Dornier 728JET programme, keeping the Envoy 7 project alive.

Spokesperson Autumn Pierce said: "We look at the 728 as a jet family, so I take it that the

different spin offs of the jet are still being considered. Right now we're currently in negotiations

with the suppliers, so what forms the 728 will take will be determined by their outcome."

This latest investment marks D'Long's first involvement with the aviation industry. Asked why the company decided to start with this particular aircraft, Pierce replied: "We chose this investment because the 728 is technically superior to other regional jets in its class.

"Our market research has shown that regional jets will still continue to be in demand over the coming year. In fact they're still in demand, despite the industry crises. We felt that if it can be developed, finished and produced, it will have a good chance on the market."

Although the company refused to release any financial details, it did confirm that all aspects of the 728 programme had been acquired, including the technology, facilities and software. "We have the Fairchild Dornier expertise to draw from and we're negotiating with Chinese aviation partners, so they'll be able to compensate for anything we don't have," said Pierce.

There have already been strong signals from the market that demand will be in place for the aircraft, according to D’Long.

Pierce added: “Until the negotiations are finalised we’re not making any firm decisions about production, because there are

still a lot of open questions. Nevertheless, the Envoy 7 is a distinct possibility on the horizon.”