China's jumbo passenger aircraft company launched in Shanghai

Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang (L) and Shanghai Party Chief Yu Zhengsheng (R) unveil the plaque for China's first ever jumbo passenger aircraft company at the inauguration ceremony in Shanghai, May 11, 2008. [Xinhua Photo]

Zhang Qingwei (R), chairman of the board of directors of China's first ever jumbo passenger aircraft company receives the licence at the inauguration ceremony in Shanghai, May 11, 2008. [Xinhua Photo]

China's first ever jumbo passenger aircraft company, which was a major part of the nation's large jet program, was officially inaugurated in Shanghai on Sunday.

Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang said at the inauguration ceremony that the large jet program was of significance to improve China's independent innovation capabilities and to meet the rapidly expanding civil aviation market at home.