The number of domestic private enterprises participating in this month's Airshow China has increased by 11 to 519, and more than 100 aircraft will be on display, it was announced at an Aug 31 press conference in Beijing.

In all, 700 enterprises from 40 countries and regions will take part in the Sept 28-Oct 3 China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China) with cutting-edge products, technologies, services, and achievements.

Indoor exhibition area has been expanded to 100,000 sqm (25 acres) with three additional exhibition halls at the Zhuhai Airshow Center. The site, just west of Zhuhai (Jinwan) Airport on East Jinhai Road in Jinwan District, has outdoor exhibition area covering 360,000 sqm (89 acres). Booked space for Boeing has increased by 65 percent and for Airbus by 11 percent from the 2018 event.

China North Industries Group will present 153 high-tech exhibits related to mobile assault, firepower attack, and unmanned equipment, of which 62 will make their debut. China State Shipbuilding will bring 60 maritime defense exhibits including unmanned combat systems, underwater weapons, and intelligent equipment.

Aviation Industry of China will display 149 independently developed aviation equipment and technologies, of which 50 have not been shown previously. The world's largest amphibious aircraft – AG600 – will perform its first flight exhibition. China Aerospace Science & Technology will showcase its Tianwen 1 Mars probe, Chang'e-5 lunar probe, and BeiDou-3 Navigation Satellite System.

Press conference in Beijing [Photo by Zhong Fan & Li Jianshu / Guanhai App]

Performances are scheduled by Bayi (Aug 1) Aerobatic Team of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force, Hongying (Red Eagle) Aerobatic Team of Aviation University of Air Force, and CBJ business jets of Commercial Aircraft Corp of China.

In addition, the VT4 main battle tank, VT5 lightweight battle tank, and VN-1 8*8 wheeled armored vehicle will be among more than 30 ground equipment pieces to stage longitudinal slope climbing, moat and wading pool crossing, and snake maneuvers.

More than 100 forums, conferences, promotions, product releases, and business-to-business negotiations concerning aviation and aerospace and national defense will supplement the event as well as a symphony concert created by Aviation Industry Corp of China and China National Opera & Dance Drama Theatre.

A Smart Airshow App has been developed for online exhibitions, matchmaking, and agreement signings. Visitors can view aerobatic performances, dynamic demonstrations of ground equipment, and livestream events in real time or play back the highlights.

More intercity trains and buses will be deployed, and dedicated transfer stations and driving lanes will be reserved at areas surrounding Zhuhai Airshow Center. Travel agencies are to arrange group chartered buses, which will have exclusive entrances.

Other highlights include upgraded ticket and access control systems, larger catering areas, enriched food variety, and a land-sea-air emergency rescue system. Zhuhai International Arbitration Court will have an on-site one-stop service center and the airshow website will open a 24-hour service window for arbitration and mediation.

Tiered epidemic prevention and control measures will be imposed citywide, at major transportation hubs, and areas around Zhuhai (Jinwan) Airport. Hotel and exhibition area staff, exhibitors, opening ceremony guests, and visitors are listed as six key groups for strengthened management.  

To promote green development, the event will adopt eco-friendly materials and designs for booth installation, enhance garbage sorting, and encourage public transport.

The China National Space Administration and State Administration of Science, Technology & Industry for National Defense are new sponsors this year.