15th China Airshow concludes: A grand showcase of innovation in the air

On November 17, 2024, the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (“China Airshow”) successfully concluded in Zhuhai. Over six days, the event attracted 1,022 exhibitors from 47 countries and regions, displaying 261 aircraft and 248 types of ground equipment. A total of 247 conferences, forums, contract signings, and business meetings were held, resulting in cooperative agreements worth approximately 285.6 billion yuan. A remarkable 1,195 aircraft of various models were sold, and the event drew nearly 590,000 visitors.

The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (Image: China Airshow Official)

 The airshow featured cutting-edge equipment that highlights China’s technological advancement. Debuting for the first time were advanced military assets such as the J-35A fighter jet and the HQ-19 missile system. Other notable displays included the J-10C and J-16D fighter jets, which were arrayed in striking formations. The Y-20 transport aircraft was released to the public for the first time. The Chinese Army and Navy also showcased their equipment, such as the Z-10 attack helicopter and the J-15D carrier-based fighter.

J-35A (Image: China Airshow Official)

Special pavilions were set up by China’s State Administration of Science, Technology, and Industry for National Defense and the China National Space Administration. Among the highlights was the domestic debut of lunar soil samples retrieved from the far side of the moon during the Chang’e-6 mission. The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) brought over 260 exhibits to the show, spanning air, land, sea, and space domains.

Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) showcased seven aircraft in its pavilion, which was China’s first commercial aviation pavilion set up at the airshow. Models of the C909, C919, and C929 aircraft, including both the base models and variants, were displayed in the indoor exhibition area, while full-scale versions of the C909 passenger aircraft, business jets, medical planes, emergency rescue command planes, and the C919 passenger jet were featured outdoors.

The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation presented nearly 200 high-tech achievements, including the Chang’e-6 lunar probe and Long March 8A and 12 carrier rockets, with 75% of the items on display being new. Meanwhile, the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation exhibited cutting-edge defense systems, such as the HQ-9BE long-range air defense system, the WJ-700 “Falcon” UAV, and the FK-4000 air defense weapon system.

WJ-700 “Falcon” UAV  (Photo by Jiao Ziyuan/Guangming Online)

For the first time, the airshow integrated air, sea, and land dynamic demonstrations. Highlights included breathtaking aerial performances by the Chinese Air Force’s August 1st and the Russian Knights Aerobatic Teams. The China North Industries Group Corporation and China South Industries Group Corporation conducted ground demonstrations, showcasing advances in equipment informatization and intelligence.

As the global influence of the China Airshow grows, its global “circle of friends” is expanding ever wider.

Russian Su-57E Booth: VR Flight Simulation  (Photo by Jiao Ziyuan/Guangming Online)

Crowds Gather at the UAE Pavilion  (Photo by Jiao Ziyuan/Guangming Online)

The event’s international influence continued to expand, attracting 159 foreign exhibitors – a 104% increase compared to the previous edition. Russia, France, the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Italy also brought their innovative products to the airshow: Airbus showcased models of its new-generation A350 cargo plane, the A330neo wide-body aircraft cabin, the H175 helicopter, and the H135 helicopter in an outdoor static display. The UAE pavilion featured products from EDGE Group and Calidus Aerospace LLC, drawing significant attention at the event.