A delivery ceremony is held on Dec. 15 to inaugurate the first plane completed in Boeing's China plant in Zhoushan. (Photos: VCG)

Boeing and its joint venture partner Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) delivered a Boeing 737 plane, the first jet completed in Zhoushan, on Saturday.

Zhoushan is home to Boeing's first completion and delivery center outside the US. The Chicago-based plane-maker said the delivery of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 to the national flag carrier Air China marks a new era in Boeing's partnership with the Chinese aviation industry. 

The jet was first assembled in Renton, Washington State and then went through the interior work after its transfer to Zhoushan, roughly 145 kilometers southeast of Shanghai. The delivery came nearly 20 months after the Zhoushan plant broke ground last May.

China is expected to become the largest commercial aviation market in the world. Boeing's latest Commercial Market Outlook forecasts that China will need 7,680 new airplanes worth $1.2 trillion over the next 20 year and another $1.5 trillion in commercial services to support the country's growing fleet of airplanes.

The first Boeing 737 plane arrives at Zhoushan Putuo Airport on Nov. 9, 2018. The plane was delivered to its buyer Air China on Saturday, Dec. 15. 2018. (Photo: VCG)

(Compiled by Chen Lidan)