China's first big passenger plane to take maiden flight

China : China’s first large domestically made passenger aircraft is due to take its maiden flight, mounting a major challenge to Boeing and Airbus.

The plane is a key symbol of Beijing’s soaring ambitions to enter the global aviation market. The jet by state-owned firm Comac has been planned since 2008 but the flight was repeatedly pushed back. The C919 is designed to be a direct competitor to Boeing’s 737 and the Airbus A320. It’s estimated that the global aviation market will be worth $2tn (£1.55tn) over the next 20 years. ]]>