China moved closer to its stated ambition of manufacturing a large commercial passenger aircraft with Aviation Industries of China’s (AVIC), launch of its commercial engine company in Shanghai recently. AVIC President Lin Zuoming said the new venture will produce engines for a domestically produced150-seat commercial aircraft known as the “trunk liner”. AVIC holds 40 per cent of the new company with Shanghai Electric Group and Shanghai Guosheng Group each holding 15 per cent. AVIC has put the remaining 30 per cent up for sale, which includes the possibility of a foreign investor.