A model of the China-made C919 passenger airliner is seen at the 8th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong province, Nov 15, 2010. [Photo/Xinhua]

The C919, China's first self-made passenger jet airliner, has been moved from its assembly base to the test flight center, an indication that the development of the plane has reached a new phase, according to industry sources.

The 168-seat passenger jet, which is being manufactured in Shanghai by the Commercial Aircraft Corp of China, or COMAC, has already undergone a series of tests after rolling off the assembly lines in November 2015.

According to Wenhui Daily, COMAC is now making preparations for the plane's maiden flight, which is expected to take place in early 2017.

During the Zhuhai Air Show in November 2016, Shanghai-based China Eastern Airlines confirmed that it will become the first company to receive a C919 model. To date, COMAC has received a total of 570 orders for the C919.