China passenger jet

BEIJING: The first Chinese-built large passenger jet completed its maiden flight yesterday.

The C919 aircraft took off from Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport and landed back there after an hour and 20 minute flight.

The aircraft was developed by state-owned company Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) to compete with single-aisle jets Airbus 320 and Boeing 737.

The Chinese government established Shanghai- based Comac in 2008 with the purpose of breaking into the global passenger jet market.