Airbus delivers first China-made jet

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Tianjin (China): European aviation giant Airbus delivered the first A320 aircraft made at its factory in China, in an event hailed as a landmark in Sino-European cooperation.

A giant red curtain was pulled back to reveal the jet in a hanger during a ceremony at the factory outside the northern Chinese city of Tianjin.

The jet was the first to be completed at an Airbus factory outside Europe and company CEO Thomas Enders said it underlined the consortium's long-term relationship with China, one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets.

"We will build a strong future with the China aviation industry and for the China aviation industry," he said.

"(Airbus) will be working increasingly with our partners in China, setting new standards."

The plane was delivered to Dragon Aviation Leasing and will be used by Sichuan Airlines, a regional Chinese air carrier whose markings were already on it.

It was to be flown to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, later, officials said.

Tianjin mayor Huang Xingguo called today's event "a historic day" for Sino-European cooperation.