As Airbus kicks off the celebration of its 40 years of innovation, the first A320 assembled by Airbus A320 Family Final Assembly Line China (FALC) in Tianjin - the company's first production line outside Europe - will be delivered to the Beijing-based Dragon Aviation Leasing and then be leased to Sichuan Airlines.

Back in May 1969, French Minister of Transport, Jean Chamant, and German Minister of Economic Affairs, Karl Schiller, signed an agreement for the joint-development of the A300 aircraft, the first European twin-aisle twin-engine jet for medium-haul air travel.

Tom Enders, Airbus president and CEO says: "40 years ago - in May 1969 - the commercial jet aircraft market was entirely dominated by the US industry. Giving the go-ahead for the A300 was a bold strategic decision. The pioneering spirit of our engineers, as well as Airbus' continuous pursuit of innovation and international cooperation, has made us a global market leader and, at the same time, a symbol of successful European cooperation.