Check out China's first modern airliner

After more than a decade of development, China's first homegrown airliner earned approval early this year from the country's government to carry passengers. The ARJ21-700, from China's government-owned aircraft manufacturer, Comac, is designed to compete with offerings from Western airplane makers.

First test-flown in 2008, the ARJ21-700 has overcome a series of design setbacks and production delays. One aircraft was delivered in 2015. Whether the ARJ21 will become a truly effective passenger carrier remains to be seen, but it will definitely force the competition to take notice.