Made in China: Comac's first passenger aircraft is ready

China is now ready to deliver its first indigenously built aircraft.

…

Built for Chengdu Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China has completed the work on ARJ21-700 and is ready for certification.

…

The company started working on the project in 2002. Though the aircraft’s delivery was scheduled for 2007, it got delayed due to technical issues.

…

The ARJ21-700 can seat 78 to 90 passengers. 

…

According to Reuters, Commercial Aircraft Corp of China Ltd and JSC United Aircraft Corporation are considering jointly developing advanced wide-body jets, a move that could help the Chinese plane maker compete with Boeing Co and Airbus.

…

In an initial deal signed ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin's ongoing China visit, COMAC and JSC agreed to conduct a feasibility study on the project, COMAC chief accountant Tian Min said in Shanghai, according to Reuters.

...

The aircraft completed test flights in April this year.

...

During its test flight, the aircraft has flown across 13,000 kilometres.

...

A technician inspects a ARJ21-700 aircraft model at the Commercial Aircraft Corp of China Ltd (Comac) factory in Shanghai.

...

Technicians work on their computers next to a ARJ21-700 aircraft model at the Commercial Aircraft Corp of China Ltd (Comac) factory in Shanghai.