Chinese aircraft highlights at 52nd Paris Air Show

This year's Paris International Air Show is kicking into high-gear, with tens-of-thousands of visitors and aerospace professionals coming together for the biennial event, with an eye on new technology.

The Wing-Loong II on display at the 52nd Paris Air Show [Photo: China Plus]

15 Chinese aviation companies are among the thousands who are showcasing their latest technology and products at the ongoing show.

Zhang Xinguo, vice general manager of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, said it is a good opportunity for Chinese companies to introduce their latest technology and products.

He also said the Paris show is a good opportunity to learn.

"Through the Paris Air Show, we can find more partners, which will promote the development of our own aviation technology, products and the whole industry in China. This is an important event, as aviation plays a crucial role for China's industrial development," added Zhang.

Among the Chinese innovations on display include China's new stealth fighter, the FC-31 Gyrfalcon, along with the Wing-Loong II reconnaissance and strike drone, the L15 training aicraft, and the 10ME and 19E helicopters..

Wang Donghua from China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation noted the Wing-Loong II drone is one of the newest editions, having made its maiden flight back in February.

"This large drone has mid-range capabilities, and is useful for both reconnaissance and strikes. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 4.2 tonnes, and we can equip it with different weapons based on client's demand," said Wang.

The Wing-Loong II has already received a number of orders from overseas.

During the show, Aviation Industry Corporation of China has signed an agreement with France's Dassault Aircraft company on co-establishing an innovation center, which will be located in Beijing's Zhongguancun Technology Park.

Among the non-Chinese companies in Paris is French aircraft giant Airbus.

It's got the latest version of its A380 family on display: the A380 Plus.

Frank Vermeire, head of Airbus A380 marketing, says there are many new features on the A380 update, said "the A380 Plus is a package of improvements, which include new aerodynamic winglets. This will give up four percent of fuel burn improvements. It also means more seats, so up to 80 additional seats on the A380. And all this improves the economics by 13 percent per seat versus today's aircraft."

This year's event in Paris has attracted more than 23-hundred companies from 48 different countries and regions.

The Paris Airshow, the world's oldest, is divided into two parts: June 19th to 22nd is reserved exclusively for the industry.

The general public gets a chance to see the latest in global avaiation through the weekend, starting on Friday.