Li said China is not looking for profits from the venture, but to improve its aircraft manufacturing capabilities.

The joint venture's general manager will come from Airbus France and the Chinese consortium will nominate a deputy general manager, Bertiaux said.

"The operation and quality management of the factory, which requires our know-how, will be in hands of Airbus. Anything related to human resources, support and services will be arranged by our Chinese partners," Bertiaux said.

AVIC I and AVIC II will deploy up to 80 people to serve the joint venture for five years.

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"They have promised that they will not send people we can easily find in Tianjin," said Bertiaux, adding that the factory will hire about 500 employees.

China has expressed a strong ambition to establish its own commercial aircraft industry, and AVIC I and AVIC II have been the two pillars of the Chinese aviation manufacturing industry.