China's first locally made jumbo jet could take off as early as 2014. The nation is already taking leaps and bounds in aircraft production and space exploration, like the successful Chang'e programme.

In traditional Chinese culture, there are plenty of myths about life in the air.

Thanks to global industrial development and constantly changing technology - those myths are now true. Commercial air travel is becoming increasingly popular and profitable.

In China, civil aviation has seen tremendous change since the reform and opening up back in the 1980s.

There's now an incredible 17.2 percent GDP growth every year, which is double China's average.

However, the slow progress of jumbo jet technology in China isn't keeping up with demand. Most jets now flying here were made by Airbus and Boeing. So now, China is going to make its own jumbo jet.

"After years of research, the general blueprint of our own jumbo jet is being made. We will start the detailed design next year," said Chen Jin, Marketing Head of China Commercial Aircraft Corp.

Chen said the jumbo jet will have new generation engines, superior to that of the Boeing 737. It will feature an increased economic performance, reduced emissions and enhanced comfort.

The name of the first jet - C919 - has a special meaning: C represents China as well as COMAC, the abbreviation for Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China.

The first 9 implies "forever" in Chinese culture, while 19 means the jumbo jet will have a maximum of 190 seats.

The company will also build a research and development center, a general assembly manufacturing center and a customer service center in Shanghai.

Once completed, it will be able to produce 150 jumbo jets and 50 regional aircraft per year.

China's jumbo jet will take off for its first test flight in 2014, and be delivered for commercial use by airlines in 2016.

(CNTV.cn October 19, 2010)