Wide-body jet to be built by China, Russia in Shanghai

A wide-body commercial jet being developed by China and Russia is expected to be delivered in 10 years, as early as three years after its first test flight, according to a timetable announced by domestic plane manufacturer Commercial Aircraft Corp of China.

COMAC, which based its prediction on past research and manufacturing experience, issued a statement on Wednesday saying that the company and Russia's United Aircraft Corp have set up a Shanghai-based joint venture to develop the jumbo jet. The company is expected to start operating by year's end.

The project signals the two countries' ambitions to compete in the wide-body market, dominated by United States aircraft manufacturer Boeing Co and Europe's Airbus Group. Research and development for the new jet will be conducted in Moscow, with assembly in Shanghai.