2,472 man-hours and 186 individual stencils later, British Airways unveil Chinese themed Boeing 777 with Georgia May Jagger

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British Airways unveiled its brand new 777-200 aircraft at a star-studded event in China. 

Supermodel Georgia May Jagger, 23, launched the new design, created by Chinese designer Masha Ma, and the Duke of Cambridge, Prince William, attended the event.

The GREAT Festival of Creativity was held in Shanghai's Long Museum, to promote British businesses.

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British supermodel, Georgia May Jagger, 23, poses next to a floral plane designed by Masha Ma

The livery design, created by Chinese fashion designer Masha Ma, features a bamboo and a rose in an eye-catching blend of east-meets-west.

It took an engineering team over 2472 hours, using 186 individuals to complete. 

'Bamboo and roses have significant cultural connotations in China and Britain respectively, and are each cherished symbols,' said Ma, who studied at Central Saint Martins art college in London.

'In Chinese culture, bamboo represents modesty, integrity and vitality. For Britain, the rose symbolises love, nobility and dignity,' she said.

The Duke of Cambridge is the first senior royal visit to the Chinese mainland in almost three decades

'As Sino-British ties continue to bloom and flourish, I felt that the meeting of bamboo with a rose would be the perfect way to celebrate the growing friendship and collaboration between the two countries.'

Richard Tams, British Airways executive vice president in China, said: 'We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with Masha on such an iconic project . 

'Her inspiring design delivers a strong message: that of a growing and flourishing relationship between the cultures of Britain and China. 

The livery design depicts a bamboo and a rose in an east-meets-west fusion of symbols and artistic styles

The livery design took over 2472 man-hours and 186 individual stencils to apply

'We hope it will encourage individuals and businesses in both countries to forge closer ties.'

The festival, which ran from March 2 to 4, is part of the GREAT Britain campaign aimed at promoting the UK as a world-class destination for trade, tourism, investment and education to generate jobs and growth.

British Airways collaborated with VisitBritain to showcase the best of British hospitality as they welcome visitors to a unique garden party, inspired by the royal tradition. 

British Airways engineering team used specialist techniques to paint the aircraft with Ma's design

A quintessential British afternoon tea was served by British Airways cabin crew, and the airline exhibited a collection of its royal heritage memorabilia.

Speakers included Garry Copeland, British Airways managing director of Combined Operations, Sally Balcombe, CEO of VisitBritain, restauranteur Tom Parker-Bowles, Saville Row tailor Patrick Grant, Luisa Mengoli from the V&A Shenzou, as well as Masha Ma, discussing her design for British Airways.