The China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, or Airshow China, is the biggest meeting in the country for global plane makers and buyers. A number of foreign manufacturers are showing their newest products, aiming to expand their share of the Chinese market. The exhibition runs through Sunday.
The Red Arrows, the British Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, perform at the 11th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 1, 2016. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)
Event organizers say 700 domestic and overseas exhibitors have set -up display booths at the Airshow China 2016. Many of the items are on display for the very first time in the country.
Airbus unveils the A350, the most advanced and efficient twin-engine wide body aircraft. Chinese engineers and aviation companies participated in its design and manufacturing. Airbus says one third of its orders are from Asia-Pacific region.
"Chinese market has become the NO.1 market, 20 -25% of the manufactured airbus are coming to China. It’ll continue to increase," said Francois Mery, Airbus China chief operating officer.
The Russian helicopter company, the sole developer and manufacturer of helicopters in Russia also displays models of its best products. This year, the company signed deals with Chinese buyers to deliver 11 helicopters designed for special search and rescue operations. The company also says China has been one of the largest operating countries of Russian-built helicopters.
An aerobatic team from Russia perform at the 11th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 1, 2016. (Xinhua/Jia Yuchen)
"We notice that China has great potential in aviation. The air show helps boost the sales of our helicopters. We are ready to increase our supply to China as long as there is demand," said Igor Chechikov, deputy CEO of Aftersales Service, Russian Helicopters.
As China accelerates its pace in aviation and aerospace industry, increasing numbers of overseas companies are looking to expand Chinese markets. Event officials say over 23 billion dollars deals were made at the 2014 Airshow China, nearly doubled than the previous one.
