And There was an airshow where an An-32 did a single-engine touch-and-go. Of course, granted only the crew was onboard, but that demonstrates confidence in the aircraft's power-to-weight ratio. I wonder if those same pilots would've done the same on an An-26...
The numbers on the MA60 do look good and seem to compare favorably to Western types. The passenger loads out of Caticlan's Rwy 06 are nominally comparable to the ATR72. But it seems the guys I know who fly the type say departing out of 06 is an act of faith on their part. And that's with both engines turning.
So yes, the numbers look good but is there a disconnect between what the book says and what pilots (and passengers) flying the type are actually seeing? Are those numbers verifiable by certifying authorities other than the Chinese CAA?