China's first big passenger plane takes off for maiden flight

China's first large domestically made passenger aircraft has taken off for its maiden flight, mounting a major

China's first large domestically made passenger aircraft has taken off for its maiden flight, mounting a major challenge to Boeing and Airbus. 


State TV showed what appeared to be a normal take off from Pudong airport in Shanghai. 


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

Source: NNA