China's Aerospace Ambitions Unveiled at Zhuhai Air Show

China's Zhuhai air show highlights included COMAC's unveiling of Air China as the first customer for their C929 widebody jet, debut of the J-35A stealth fighter, and announcements of several jet orders. Airbus announced continued cooperation with China despite potential trade disputes.

China showcased its ambitious aerospace agenda on the first day of the Zhuhai air show, with significant announcements from major players like COMAC. Air China emerged as the first customer for COMAC's C929 widebody jet, highlighting the event's focus on domestic progression in aviation manufacturing.

Among the aerial displays were China's Bayi aerobatics team and the public debut of the J-35A stealth fighter. In a strategic move to unify branding, COMAC rebranded its regional jet the ARJ21 as the C909, marked by improvements in weight, resistance, noise, and cost efficiency, as shared by marketing director Zhang Xiaoguang.

With Airbus CEO George Xu expressing commitment to collaborate with Chinese partners, the show highlighted an unwavering intention for healthy competition and cooperation, as well as a display of China's developing uncrewed spaceplane. This air show sets the stage for ongoing aerospace advancements and international collaborations, running until November 17.

(With inputs from agencies.)