The 49th Paris Air Show is underway. As the world's leading aviation event, this year's show sees the overseas debut of the C919, the first superjumbo independently designed and developed by China.

A model of the C919 aircraft is presented by Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China,Ltd. (COMAC) during the 49th Paris Air Show at the Le Bourget airport near Paris, June 20, 2011.

The first overseas appearance of C919 has become the highlight of the Paris Air Show. Both the public and media are eager to catch a glimpse of in the first Chinese-designed superjumbo.

With a streamlined fuselage and Chinese-style decor, the plane promises a whole new level of efficiency and comfort for passengers.

C919 has passed international safety standards, and will travel the major commercial routes between the world's big cities in a few years time. The new plane is will be taking aim at competitors Airbus and Boeing, the two established air carrier manufacturers.

Compared with A320 and B737, the most popular passenger jumbos in the world, C919 can compete in terms of passengers capacity and mileage, but its greatest advantage lies in its price. However, while its introduction on to the air routes is still a while off, its producer has already figured out a long term plan.

Jin Zhuanglong, general manager of Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, said, "Our goal is to provide civil planes which are more secure, more economical and more environmentally friendly. We take independent design as its key strategic advantage. We will give a full scope to China's traditional aviation resources and expand international cooperation."

C919 made its debut in Zhuhai Airshow in China last year, and is expected to make the maiden flight in 2014. It will finally be put on the market in 2016.

Besides C919, Chinese planes designed for regional routes are also on display in Paris, and have been well received by international clients.

A client from Republic of Congo, said, "We have used Chinese regional planes since 2006. And now we are making a profit on them. Chinese planes are very competitive in terms of function and prices."

The airshow also showcases the rapid development of Chinese technology in outer space exploration, with highlights including the Long March rocket and Chang'e satellites. The Chinese aviation industry has witnessed substantial improvements in recent years, and it's hoped that the Paris show will be a great opportunity for Chinese firms to clinch more lucrative contracts.

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