Airborne

The Russian Air Force Swift Aerobatic Team performs at Air Show China 2004.  by Ruan Yaolin

Air Show China, more formerly known as the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, and the only international aerospace exhibition approved by the Chinese Central Government, features full scale models of aircraft, trade discussions, technical exchanges and a range of dramatic flying exhibitions. Since the advent of Air Show China in 1996, on five alternate years the event has taken place and developed rapidly into one of the five most influential international air shows in the world. Numerous international aerospace firms will participate in this year’s exhibition and millions of visitors will attend. In its 10-year history, Air Show China has promoted the world of aviation and aerospace technology, while providing a gateway to the vast Chinese market for aerospace companies from around the world.

Air Show China 2006 will take place from October 31 to November 5 inZhuhai, Guangdong Province. The number of companies and nations represented, and their level of participation, is projected to surpass that of Air Show China 2004. It is estimated that the net exhibition area will exceed 17,000 square meters, and exhibitors from more than 30 nations and regions will be on that ground, while overhead more than 50 aircraft will execute breathtaking and often mind-boggling maneuvers.

The British Golden dream Aerobatic Team performs at Air Show China 2004.  by Zhu Ruisheng

In recent years China’s aerospace industries have rapidly developed and a growing number of Chinese firms are eager to participate in the exhibition. The Civil Aviation Administration of China, China Aviation Industry Corporation I, China Aviation Industry Corporation II, China Aerospace Science & Technology Corporation and China Aerospace Science & Industry Corporation are among those concerns organizing their member companies for Air Show China 2006. A significant number of leading aerospace companies and trade associations will be on hand. The growing roster of international firms includes Boeing, Airbus, EADS, Rolls Royce, CFM International, GE and MIG.

The latest of China’s military and civil aircraft will be on display. These include the FC-1 (Fighter China 1) a lightweight multipurpose fighter, the L-15 Advanced Training System, the Shenzhou VI recovery capsule, the high-capacity communications satellite Dongfanghong-4, as well as advanced missile weapons systems.

Besides domestic air craft, Embraer’s E-190 passenger jet, and Tupolev’s 204-120CE transporter will debut at the show. Bombardier’s latest business and regional aircraft are also expected, as are the latest Russian military aircraft. Small aircraft manufacturers from China, the U.S., Austria, Hungary, CzechRepublic and other countries have also showed great interest, and the participation from the small aircraft sector is likely to become a new highlight of the show.

Wang Guangquan, vice secretary of Zhuhai Municipal Party Committee and deputy director of the executive committee of Air Show China 2006, meets with representatives of foreign aviation & aerospace firms.

Aerobatic flying remains a mainstay of all such exhibitions, and Air Show China 2006 is no exception. The Russian Air Force Knights Aerobatic Team and the British Yakovlevs Aerobatic Team will execute their own fast-breaking maneuvers.

During the exhibition, the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense will continue to work with the Civil Aviation Administration of China to co-organize 2006 China International Aviation & Aerospace Summit Forum in Zhuhai. The forum was conceived to provide a platform of communication for enterprise presidents, top government and military officials, and experts and scholars. Their collective goal is to carry out the in-depth exchange of ideas on world aviation and aerospace industry trends, and the development of China’s aerospace and air transport industries.

Ancillary events will include a meeting of astronauts, and musical evenings and other performances have been initiated to enhance not only aerospace elements, but also the cultural atmosphere surrounding the show.

Aerobatic flying in the spectacle highlight of Air Show China 2004.  by Meng Xiangwu		The spectacular events of the Air Show China 2004.