Chinese aviation's exhibits captivated attendees and received applaudes from industry experts at the week-long 55th edition of the Paris Air Show, which opened to the general public from Friday to Sunday.
Cutting-edge aviation and aerospace innovations brought by over 70 Chinese exhibitors drew large crowds to bustling exhibition halls at Le Bourget Airport near Paris. Among the most talked-about displays was the J-35A stealth fighter, making its debut outside China.
"I'm most interested in the J-35 on display. I'm looking forward to its export version and the carrier-based variant," said an engineer at the exhibition.
"Its exterior suggests strong stealth capabilities, and the aerodynamic design appears highly reliable," said another visitor who is an aircraft materials specialist.
At the booth of Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), visitors explored its full spectrum of products including fighters, transport aircraft, training planes, helicopters, drones, and guided weapons, which highlighted the company's transition from single-equipment development to integrated combat solutions.
Many industry insiders said China's aviation sector has achieved leapfrog progress.
"China's aviation industry has made made a phenomenal leap -- truly phenomenal. These companies haven't just caught up; you can sense they're now at the forefront," said a visitor.
In the exhibition area of civil aviation, China's homegrown C909 and C919, developed by Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC), as well as its conceptual C929 airliner models stole the spotlight. Many visitors expressed hopes of flying on Chinese-made jets someday.
"Walking through this exhibit, it struck me that one day we'll see Chinese planes rival Airbus and Boeing," said a visitor.
"Given the chance, we'd absolutely choose to fly on a Chinese aircraft," another visitor said. "Nearly everything today is made in China -- we trust those products, so why not these planes?" her friend added.
Attendees at Paris Air Show amazed by Chinese aviation products
