After years of delays, China's first large homemade passenger jetliner will take to the air for its maiden flight in the first half of this year, state media reported Monday. The C919 was originally due to fly in 2015, but has been beset by delays blamed on manufacturing problems. Airbus and Boeing say the market for new aircraft will be worth more than $5 trillion over the next 20 years. Industry experts say China faces a tough slog capturing a significant share of that market, even with government support. Last June, the ARJ21-700, China's first homemade regional jet, made its debut flight carrying 70 passengers.

Source: ABC News February 06, 2017 09:25 UTC