Big piece of first Chinese jetliner completed

In addition, a large platform that tests the aircraft's flight controls and hydraulic systems was put to use in December.

COMAC has already received 400 orders from 16 domestic and foreign clients for the C919.

The aircraft's maiden flight is expected to take place in 2015, with the first deliveries scheduled for 2017.

It will be able to carry up to 168 passengers and has a maximum flight range of about 5,500 km.

The number of passenger aircraft in China will rise from 1,969 in 2012 to 6,494 in 2032, accounting for 17 percent of the global total.

Chinese enterprises and individuals are expected to purchase 5,357 aircraft with at least 50 seats, worth $647 billion, in that period, according to the aircraft corporation.

China will be Boeing's largest market by 2020	Private jet dealer exhibits aircraft models