"This will be our first jet transport, and with it we will bring Great China into the jet era," said James Jeng, president of the Taipei-based airline.

Great China currently operates a fleet of 12 turboprop transports on flights linking Taipei and cities across Taiwan. The MD-90 was ordered in the spring of 1990, making Great China Airlines one of the earliest customers in the program.

Jeng was at the Long Beach plant of the Douglas Aircraft division of McDonnell Douglas to formally accept the new aircraft. He signed delivery documents in a ceremony with Don Black, Douglas vice president-general manager of sales and marketing.

The aircraft is scheduled to depart later today on its flight across the Pacific, arriving in Taipei March 21.

Great China plans to use the new MD-90 initially for service between Taipei and Tainan. The cabin is arranged for 155 passengers, 12 in first class and 143 in economy class.

The new aircraft is the first MD-90 delivered with a maximum takeoff weight capability of 166,000 pounds, 10,000 pounds more than standard MD-90s now in service. The improvement gives the aircraft additional non-stop range for longer routes.

The MD-90 is the newest aircraft in the McDonnell Douglas family of twin jet transports. It is powered by a pair of International Aero Engines V2500 powerplants, rated at 25,000 pounds takeoff thrust. The advanced technology turbofans give the MD-90 exceptional fuel efficiency and low levels of noise and engine emissions, making it the quietest, cleanest large transport in service today.

The aircraft also has an advanced flight deck which includes an electronic flight instrument system, a full-flight management system and a state-of-the-art inertial reference system for navigation.

Other MD-90 features include a modern interior design featuring four-abreast seating in first class and the five-abreast economy seating that is the passenger-pleasing hallmark of all McDonnell Douglas twin jets.