Airbus delivers 1st China-Assembled A320

European jet maker Airbus has unveiled its first China-assembled jetliner, in Tianjin, and the new A320 will officially make its maiden flight on Wednesday. Airbus says it hopes that the China factory will generate more business for the company amid the global financial crisis.

The aircrew pose for photos with the first China-assembled Airbus A320 jet after the plane arrived at Shuangliu Airport in Chengdu, capital  of southwest China's Sichuan Province, June 23, 2009. Airbus delivered  its first China-assembled A320 jet on Tuesday in the northern port city of Tianjin, the base of the manufacturer's only final assembly line  outside Europe. The plane was delivered to Beijing-based Dragon  Aviation Leasing, which will lease it to Sichuan Airlines for  operation.(Xinhua/Jiang Hongjing)

The aircraft was unveiled at the company's factory in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin. Dragon Aviation Leasing took delivery of the A320 for operation by Sichuan Airlines. The A320 features a golden dragon on its airframe. It will take off on its maiden flight from Chengdu to Beijing on Wednesday. The cost of manufacturing planes in China is higher than in Europe due to additional costs like shipping and training but Airbus says it's a strategic decision.

The jet making giant also says it is stepping up cooperation with Chinese manufacturers to localize its production in China.

Laurence Barron, President of Airbus China said "We have a number of projects in Harbin and Chengdu on the A350 wings made by Xi'an will be shipped to Tianjin and equipped in Tianjin instead of in Europe..."

The Tianjin assembly line officially began operation in August last year. Airbus has said planes made here demonstrate the same quality and level of performance as those made in France and Germany.