Air show veteran envisions aviation boom

China is becoming an aviation industrial development center in the Asia Pacific Region with the prospect of 7,000 additional aircraft over the next two decades, according to a representative of Pratt & Whitney Canada (PWC).

The company will expand industrial layout in China and explore possibilities to work with the Zhuhai municipal government, he said at an Airshow China press conference on Nov 2.

A subordinate of United Technologies Corporation (UTC), Pratt & Whitney Group is a world-renowned company engaged in the design, manufacture, and service of aviation engines and auxiliary power units. Headquartered in the United States, UTC offers hi-tech systems and services for the global aviation and architecture industries.

At his third attendance at Airshow China, Dr Alan Epstein, vice president of Technology & Environment at Pratt & Whitney, said he could measure progress each time. After witnessing debuts of many new aircraft models and their graceful curves in the sky on the opening day, he showed appreciation toward what Airshow China has brought about.

As the aviation industry grows in China, PWC expects more extensive cooperation, especially in terms of the new-generation GTF engines, many of whose key components are produced at a joint venture in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province. 

Pratt & Whitney will cooperate with Chinese partners regarding maintenance to ensure that Chinese GTF clients receive quick, reliable, and preferential service, said Epstein.

Crowded Airshow China Exhibition Hall [Photo by Zhang Zhou/ Zhuhai Daily]