People visit the 6th China Helicopter Exposition in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Sept. 14, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)
TIANJIN, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- The 6th China Helicopter Exposition, concluding on Sunday, has served as a platform for fostering innovation, development and win-win cooperation.
A raft of activities, such as exhibitions, forums, airshows, new product releases and business negotiations, took place during this four-day expo held in north China's Tianjin Municipality.
Over 350 exhibitors, including many major global helicopter manufacturers, attended the expo, seeking lucrative business opportunities in China's aviation industry.
During the expo, Airbus Helicopters, the European aircraft manufacturer, signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for strategic cooperation with Wanjiang Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. According to the LOI, both parties will provide one-stop customized helicopter products and financing solutions for Chinese enterprise customers in general aviation, especially micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.
This photo taken on Sept. 14, 2023 shows the signing ceremony of a Letter of Intent (LOI) for strategic cooperation between Airbus Helicopters and Wanjiang Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. at the 6th China Helicopter Exposition in north China's Tianjin. (Xinhua)
Airbus Helicopters has been a key partner in the Chinese helicopter sector for over 50 years. Currently, there are more than 300 Airbus helicopters flying in China, serving more than 90 customers.
According to a report released by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China Ltd. (AVIC), the total number of China's civil helicopters is expected to reach 1,449 by 2027 and exceed 2,000 by 2032.
The rapid recovery and promising prospect of China's aviation market have ignited a strong desire among global helicopter manufacturers and suppliers to forge collaborations with their Chinese counterparts.
Alexander Tarasov, deputy CEO and head of design of the National Helicopter Center, Russian Helicopters, said he is interested in different Chinese components. "We would like to apply Chinese components to our helicopters. We want to expand our business with Chinese partners."
China's Fenglei aerobatic team performs at the opening ceremony of the 6th China Helicopter Exposition in north China's Tianjin Municipality Sept. 14, 2023. (Photo by Chen Kai/Xinhua)
Diverse exhibits featuring technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality and human-machine interaction were also showcased during the expo, with a total of 65 helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles put on display.
Sunkiss Matherm is a French company manufacturing equipment for drying system, which is needed in making aircraft.
"I'm looking for more Chinese customers. This expo gives me bright ideas of identifying who is who and what to do and to expand my business with Chinese potential customers," said Hervé Vigier, general manager of the company. ■
