From BBC News:
China has held a ceremony to inaugurate its first home-grown commercial aircraft. The ARJ-21, which will be able to seat up to 85 people, will embark upon its maiden flight in March and then go into mass production in 2009.
China Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC) is banking on the project to build its reputation in the industry. With Chinese air travel booming, the authorities want to develop a competitive domestic manufacturer. [Full Text]
[Image: The ceremony was not open to the foreign media, from AP.]
