Chinese aero manufacturers open up to engage export market

Over the last month China's National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC), the state-licensed aircraft export sales monopoly, along with its industrial partner, Aviation Industries of China, have both demonstrated an unusual degree of openness in displaying data on their products.

This willingness of Chinese officials to speak at length on both of these areas seems to have coincided with the 60th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) on 11 November.

China's military aircraft industry has been steadily developing a line of products that would allow it to compete on world markets. Newly developed platforms - such as the Chengdu J-10/FC-20 fighter, FC-1/JF-17 strike aircraft and the Hongdu L-15 advanced jet trainer - have been advancing, along with improved versions of older aircraft like the Shenyang J-11/J-11B/BS and F-8 fighters and the Xian JH-7A fighter bomber.

There have also been commensurate advancements in weapon systems, radars and sensors, avionics and state-of-the-art 'glass' cockpit configurations.

CATIC's President and chief executive officer, Ma Zhiping, along with Zeng Wen, one of the company's vice presidents, recently discussed their future plans at length with Jane's. The overall message is that these Chinese aircraft manufacturers can now capitalise on an expanding window of opportunity for their products.