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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
TIANJIN, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) — The 7th China International Helicopter Exhibition (CIHE) concluded Sunday in north China's Tianjin City, showcasing cutting-edge technologies, innovative products and latest achievements in the global helicopter, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and general aviation industries, highlighting the huge potential of the low-altitude economy.
It is the only national-level, specialized international helicopter exhibition in China and the second-largest event of its kind in the world. The four-day exhibition in 2025 attracted over 400 companies from more than 20 countries and regions, breaking attendance records. The CMHW provided a platform for the world's leading helicopter manufacturers to explore cooperation opportunities focused on China's rapidly growing low-altitude economy.
A key event at the exhibition was the handover ceremony, marking the delivery of China General Aviation Co., Ltd.'s first AW139 helicopter from the Italian defense conglomerate Leonardo. In addition to this new model, the Chinese company already operates three Leonardo AW109SP helicopters.
"China is leading the way in the development of the low-altitude economy. We are deeply involved in this market and are pleased to be part of it," said Christian Grass, head of India and China at Leonardo Commercial Markets.
For many international helicopter companies, achieving sustainable growth means using the strong momentum of China's fast-growing market to drive global innovation.
According to an annual forecast released by the Civil Aviation Systems Research Center of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), China's civil helicopter fleet will exceed 1,700 units by 2029, with annual flight hours exceeding 300,000. A rising trend in civil helicopter flight hours in China is also predicted over the next decade.
With a long-standing strong presence in China, Safran, a French aircraft engine and equipment manufacturer, currently has over 600 engines in service across the country. During the exhibition, Safran and AVIC jointly announced that Safran will provide power support for AVIC's AC313A helicopter, marking a new stage in their nearly 50-year partnership.
“China is not only a strategic market for Safran, but also an integral part of our global value chain,” Safran China CEO and General Delegate Rémi Paul told Xinhua News Agency.
Over the past decades, Safran has been actively involved in China's major aircraft, helicopter and engine production programs, establishing partnerships with all major Chinese airlines and key industry players such as AVIC, Aero Engine Corporation of China and Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd.
"We've seen the dynamic and vibrant development of China's general aviation market. This exhibition serves as an excellent platform for promoting global cooperation in the helicopter industry," noted Rémi Paul.
Russian Helicopters, Russia's leading research and production group in the field of rotary-wing aircraft, presented three of its flagship models at the exhibition. Nikolay Kolesov, CEO of Russian Helicopters, stated that expanding cooperation with China remains one of the company's top strategic priorities. He added that Russian Helicopters' heavy-lift models have demonstrated exceptional reliability, making them particularly popular in Asian markets.
He added that several Russian-made helicopter models have been in use in China for years, playing a major role in firefighting, search and rescue operations, and emergency services.
Sharing N. Kolesov's opinion, Colin James, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in China, also emphasized that China remains a key market for the company.
On the opening day of the exhibition on Thursday, China Southern Airlines General Aviation Company Limited signed an agreement with Airbus Helicopters to purchase an H160 helicopter for use in the marine energy sector. Delivery of the aircraft is scheduled for 2026.
"This is an important milestone for both sides. We are actively integrating into China's helicopter industry ecosystem and are committed to developing a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership with them. We firmly believe that this strategy of mutually beneficial cooperation is the right one," he said.
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