Airshow China bigger, better than ever

The 11th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition is to bring together more than 700 exhibitors and 130 aircraft from 42 countries and regions, setting new records in size and complexity.  

Airshow China, as it’s commonly called, is to run from Nov 1 to Nov 6 at the Zhuhai Airshow Center in Jinwan District. The Zhuhai Convention & Exhibition Group held a press conference on July 24 to report on preparation progress and highlights of this year’s exhibition.  

In addition to the "August 1st" Aerobatic Team of the Chinese PLA Air Force, the Russian Knights and Swifts aerobatic teams will perform together. The UK Royal Air Force Aerobatics Team, the Red Arrows -- one of the world's premier display teams -- has just been approvevd by the UK Ministry of Defense for a debut at the show. For all eye-opening exhibitions and exciting performances, the entrance price will be 550 yuan ($82), a 45 percent increase over the 2014 ticket cost. 

Red Arrows 

Largest exhibition hall

The 2016 Airshow China will be held at the new main exhibition hall. The former No 1, No 2 and No 3 halls were dismantled last year and replaced by the new hall. With a length of 550 m and a width of 120 m, the hall covers an area of 66,000 sq m with an overall floorage of 79,051 sq m. It is a one-story building with a height of 26 m and an interior net story height of 15 m. Composed of seven exhibition rooms, the hall is to be put into service on Sept 5. Airshow China this year will have a temporary tent hall and two fixed exhibition halls, one themed Aviation & Aerospace and the other, Weapons. The total area will be about 82,000 sq m, a 24.2 percent increase over the 2014 show. Meanwhile, the outdoor exhibition space will exceed 350,000 sq m. 

Aside from a more spacious area, there is also a larger number of exhibitors, 45 percent of which are from overseas. For the first time, the Austrian national exhibitors’ delegation will join those from Russia, Ukraine, France, the Czech Republic, the United States, Canada and South Korea, whereas delegations from the Netherlands and New Zealand will stage a comeback after a decade's hiatus. 

Exhibition hall under construction 

Ground support

More than 900 military items of 60 models from the Chinese Air Force will be displayed, including aircraft, radar, and guided missile in motion demonstrations. Eight of the 12 domestic military industrial enterprises will participate, greatly increasing the number of war items on public display. 

Founded in March, China Aviation Engine Group will take part in the exhibition for the first time. China Electronics Corporation will also make its first presence as a group. With the exception of their advanced aviation and aerospace products, China North Industries Group, China South Industries Group, and China Electronics Technology Group will show high-standard defense equipment. 

The exhibition will add a 70,000 sq m ground area at the P2 parking lot for dynamic demonstrations of military equipment. As part of the first integrated aerobatic flight and ground demonstration exhibition, more than 10 types of military and civilian equipment such as armored tanks and defense assault vehicles will be on show for visitors. 

New aviation & aerospace exhibition hall [Photos by Zeng Yao / Zhujiang Evening Post] 

Admission restricted

Calculated by traffic and catering capacity, a limit of 80,000 visitors is set during the public days from Nov 4 to 6. Tickets are divided into individual, special and group types. Apart from paper tickets, visitors can also buy a 2nd-generation ID card ticket to enter. A paper individual ticket is priced 550 yuan ($82) and an ID card virtual ticket is 500 yuan ($75). A special ticket is for senior residents, students and children, 300 yuan ($45) for one.   

This year’s tickets will be dated to control attendance and improve visiting experience. The exhibition will not have on-site ticket sales. Instead, it will open an official online ticket sales platform (including website and WeChat account) on Aug 8. Three special offers will be seen on Aug 11, 18 and 25.   

Public transit 

Airshow China will have five temporary parking lots in Jinwan and Doumen districts and at Gaolan Port, and more feeder buses to alleviate traffic pressure. The Zhuhai Transport Bureau plans to provide nearly 600 buses and open eight passenger transport lines. It will also open inter-city bus lines from Guangzhou, Zhongshan, Jiangmen and other areas to minimize the number of private cars. 

Moreover, prices of catering are greatly reduced. Buffet will be around 150 yuan ($22) to 200 yuan ($30) for each, and a box of fast food is priced at 40 yuan ($6). The catering area will be 14,000 sq m while more varieties can be found in the food gallery.