A Chinese aircraft leasing firm has received the first Airbus A320 assembled in China.

Dragon Aviation Leasing will lease the aircraft to Sichuan Airlines, which will operate the plane.

Sichuan Airlines president Lan Xinguo believes that the new aircraft will enhance the profitability and competitiveness with its low operation costs.

The single-aisle, two-class plane will be deployed on major domestic routes between Chengdu and cities such as Beijing and Shanghai.

Dragon Aviation Leasing is a joint venture of China Aviation Supplies Holding Company, AerCap and Calyon Airfinance, which serves China and other Asian countries.

Sichuan Airlines is a Chinese carrier that will add the new craft to its existing fleet of 40 A320s.