Airbus delivers first China-made jet

Comments | AFP, June, 2009

TIANJIN, China (AFP) — European aviation giant Airbus delivered the first A320 aircraft made at its factory in China on Tuesday, saying the event symbolised its long-term focus on the growing Chinese market.

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...