Chinese aviation industry takes off with homegrown technology

Two J-20 stealth fighter jets perform aerobatic maneuvers during the 11th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition held in Zhuhai, Guangdong province. Feng Yongbin / China Daily

ZHUHAI -- An international airshow that concluded Sunday has displayed China's new found prowess in aviation technology, with both state-owned and private firms contributing to progress.

The 11th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, which was held in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong province, featured a number of debuts for Chinese aviation technology, including the J-20 advanced stealth fighter.

"By focusing on innovation and technological breakthroughs, China has become one of the few countries to systematically develop advanced aeronautic weaponry across a wide spectrum," said Tan Ruisong, general manager of Aviation Industry Corporation of China, the conglomerate that manufactures the J-20.

The Y-20, a domestic-made transport aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of around 200 tonnes, also took to the skies at the show.

"We have learned one thing from years of experiences: only through independent research and development can we master the most advanced technology," said Tang Changhong, chief designer of Y-20.

State-owned aircraft maker Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China was among the biggest stars at the airshow. One leasing firm ordered 40 ARJ21-700 regional jets and two others ordered 56 C919 large passenger aircraft.

While passenger aircraft still depend on foreign-made engines, the state-owned Aero Engine Corporation of China announced plans at the airshow to deal with Honeywell on a number of initiatives concerning engines.