On 28 September, the 13th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition 
or AirShow China officially opened in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province. 
This year, 700 companies from nearly 40 countries and regions participated in 
the exhibition, and a number of new products, technologies, services and 
achievements representing the world's advanced level will be exhibited for the 
first time in China and the world, according to Executive Committee of the 13th 
China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition.

The civil aviation industry, dual-use technology, aviation manufacturing 
facilities, MRO, unmanned systems, maritime defense and other theme exhibition 
areas will be on show, covering land, sea, air, space, and electricity sectors. 
The spectacular air shows and the dazzling array of advanced equipment 
demonstrate the confidence and openness of China's aerospace industry.

The event's increasing scale and international influence make Airshow China an 
important opportunity for enterprises to enter Asia-Pacific and the Chinese 
market. According to the organizer, the number of exhibitors and exhibition 
area this year have exceeded expectations. The number of pavilions has 
increased from 8 to 11, with all the world's famous enterprises in the industry 
participating. Boeing's exhibition area increased by 11% and Airbus's by 65% 
compared to last year.

Leading enterprises are the "weather vane" of market trends, and the 
established aviation enterprises choose to come to Zhuhai, where the air show 
is held, to develop their business, making the city a "new star" in the 
aerospace industry.

Since 2003, Germany's largest engine manufacturing giant MTU Aero Engines and 
China Southern Airlines Co., Ltd. have established a joint venture engine 
maintenance company in Zhuhai Free Trade Zone. Now, the company has completed 
the third phase of expansion and set up a branch plant in Jinwan District.

The decision to invest in a new plant stems from the company's confidence in 
the recovery and development of the Asian market and the growing demand for 
narrow-body engine services, according to Jaap Beijer, president and Chief 
Executive of MTU Maintenance Zhuhai Co. Ltd. 

"We are happy that we have a lot of partners and customers on the airshow. It 
gives us a big chance to come together with a lot of people on the short time," 
he said.

Given the excellent market expectation and the city's foresight, various forms 
of the aviation industry, such as agricultural UAVs, aviation new materials, 
engine maintenance services, aviation training and research experience, are 
developing in well in Zhuhai. Data shows that in 2020, the aviation industry 
output value in the Jinwan district alone has increased by 58.6% and that the 
aviation industry in Zhuhai continues to grow.

Industrial growth reflects the skyrocketing level of urban openness. As one of 
the first four special economic zones in China, Zhuhai has been at the 
forefront of international exchanges and cooperation in its rapid development 
over the past 40 years. Airshow China's growing brand recognition has a close 
link to Zhuhai's open attitude.

Currently, the Chinese government is promoting the construction of the 
Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Zhuhai, aiming to explore 
new paths and new models for deepening reform and opening up for the 
Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and even for China. It is 
foreseeable that Zhuhai will usher in a new round of opening opportunities, and 
this time it will not only attract the aerospace industry. A more open and 
efficient city, a high ground in line with international standards of global 
investment, is rising.

Source: Executive Committee of the 13th China International Aviation and 
Aerospace Exhibition