HARBIN - China's first aircraft disassembly plant, in northeastern Heilongjiang province, will start operation this year, the city government of Harbin said Friday.

Involving investment of $2 billion, the plant will become one of the world's biggest centers for the dismantling of retired civil aircraft, with a designed annual capacity of 50 aircraft, according to the city government.

The plant will be operated by the China Aircraft Leasing Group Holding Ltd., which has purchased a 30-hectare plot near the city's airport for the plant, it said.

Launched in late 2014, the project aims to meet the rising demands from the country's booming aviation industry. Due to a lack of facilities, China sends retired aircraft to the United States to be dismantled.