Zhuhai: On the opening day of the Zhuhai Air Show, China showcased its growing aerospace ambitions, with COMAC unveiling Air China as the first customer for its C929 widebody jet. The event also featured a model of the nation’s inaugural commercial uncrewed spaceplane. Meanwhile, China's Bayi aerobatics team performed stunning maneuvers with four J-20 stealth jets, and the J-35A stealth fighter made its public debut, capturing attention as it soared overhead.

COMAC, the state-owned aerospace manufacturer, revealed that its regional jet, previously named the ARJ21, had been rebranded as the C909 for better alignment with the company's branding strategy. Marketing director Zhang Xiaoguang explained that the new name was chosen after careful consideration and input from various stakeholders to strengthen the brand identity. The newly named C909, painted white with a blue tail, features reductions in weight, drag, and noise, as well as improvements in operating costs compared to its predecessor, the ARJ21.

COMAC did not disclose specific details regarding the number of C929s Air China would purchase or when they would be delivered, but it did announce that Hainan Airlines had placed a firm order for 60 C919 narrow-body jets and 40 C909s. Additionally, Guizhou Airlines signed an agreement to purchase 30 C909s, with 20 of them firm orders.

Despite the competition posed by China's domestic jets, Airbus China CEO George Xu expressed confidence, emphasizing the company’s focus on collaborating with Chinese partners. Airbus also announced smooth progress on the Chinese certification of its A330neo jet, with the first delivery expected in 2025. Xu reiterated Airbus's commitment to free trade, even amid tensions between the European Union and China over electric vehicles and potential trade disputes.

At the show, AVIC, China’s state-controlled aerospace company, unveiled a model of its first commercial uncrewed spaceplane, developed to transport cargo to China’s space station. The spaceplane offers a low-cost, reusable cargo solution for space exploration, according to China Daily, which also reported that AVIC had secured a contract from the China Manned Space Agency for engineering flight verification in late October.

Also on display was the Z-20 helicopter, designed for a range of military uses. One version, specifically modified to track and attack submarines, was highlighted as particularly significant, as it would enable the People’s Liberation Army Navy to extend its operational reach beyond China's coastal waters. The airshow will continue through November 17.