China unveiled its first-ever passenger jet built and designed by the country today.

The state-owned aviation manufacturer of China, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China Ltd. (COMAC), presented its first C919 aircraft at its factory in Shanghai.

China is ready to challenge Airbus and Boeing for market share and the company estimates that it will have about 2.500 orders in the next 20 years.

A grand ceremony was held in COMAC’s factory in Pudong, Shanghai, to celebrate the new passenger jet which is designed to seat 168 passengers and perform a non-stop flight for 3.500 miles.

COMAC chairman Jin Zhuanglong said at the ceremony: ‘The roll out of the first C919 aircraft marks a significant milestone in the development of China’s first indigenous aircraft.’