The 50th International Paris Air Show, one of the biggest aviation fairs in the world, attracted 2,215 exhibitors from around the globe. International aviation and aerospace magnates attended the fair, which ran from June 17-23 at Le Bourget airport in Paris, France. The Aviation Industry Corp. of China (AVIC); the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China Ltd. (COMAC) and the China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) demonstrated their latest products during the event.

Up to 10 China-made aircraft models and aviation products made their debut. The AVIC demonstrated models of the FC-1 Fierce Dragon fighter jet, MA-700 regional airliners, the Y-8C transport aircraft and the cockpit avionic systems for a civilian aircraft. The COMAC brought its ARJ21 series aircrafts, and the CGWIC showed off its Long March 5C from its LM-series.

The AVIC's delegation surpassed 200 people from all sectors of the aviation industry, including senior management personnel and technicians.

The products on display covered the three large categories of military aviation, civil aviation and airborne technologies, showcasing military trade products such as fighter planes, UAV and transport aircrafts; export products including civil airplanes, civil helicopters and general purpose aircrafts; as well as AVIC's achievements in avionic systems.

"Now we are the main exhibitors, unlike at previous exhibitions," said Li Yuhai, Deputy General Manager of AVIC. Li added that this time AVIC attended the event to compete with the world's best and have business talks with industry players.

While entering the 2A exhibition hall, AVIC's logo was domineering and attention grabbing. With an area of 267 square meters, AVIC's exhibit stood among the Russian Air Force, the French Air Force, the European Space Agency and other top international aviation players.

Ma Zhiping, General Manager of China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corp., said his company met with the management of 20 or so companies during the show.

"On the first day of the exhibition, we held discussions with managers and other staff from several Asian and African countries, and the general supervisor of Morocco's air force came to visit our exhibition stand," said Ma.

He added that some European and American clients showed great interest in the L-15 Falcon, a third-generation advanced trainer aircraft developed by AVIC. Ma said the L-15 Falcon is among the few trainer jets in the world capable of supersonic flight. It has an advanced fly-by-wire flight control system and other state-of-the-art avionic devices. Besides its role as a trainer aircraft, it has multiple functions such as aerial combat and air-to-surface strike capability, according to Ma.

Wang Jinyan, Deputy Director of the AVIC Aeronautical Radio Electronics Research Institute, said that the aircraft avionics system is considered to be the "brain and nervous system" of aircrafts, deciding the aircraft's flight automation and directly influencing the safety, comfort, and even environmental protection of the aircrafts. It is a new generation aviation product possessing strong international market potential.

"Thanks to the rapid development of China's civil aviation market, we are fully confident in exhibiting our products and competing with our international counterparts at the 50th International Paris Air Show. We want to let the world know more about China's products, its technology and market prospects," said Wang, adding that the show this year provides an opportunity to enhance China's brand in the aviation industry.

Singapore's Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew also visited the Chinese exhibition and was briefed on the MA700, a civilian aircraft. Gu Huizhong, Vice General Manager of AVIC, said, "We not only showcase our own products and innovation but also seek exchanges and opportunities for cooperation with international counterparts to expand AVIC's influence and competitiveness in the world." He said that the MA700 series is now ready to be exported.

In a world of fierce international competition, the advantage of China- made air products is not only illustrated in price, said Gu, but also in innovation and service.