July 7 2008: A replica of the J10 fighter jet is unveiled by China Aviation Industry Corporation I (AVIC-I) at CBD in Chaoyang district, Beijing. The J10 fighter jet model is full scale, and all details are identical to the operational version.[Bo Ya/Chinanews.com]

The 7th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, backed by the China State Council, will be held in Zhuhai City in south China's Guangdong Province from Nov. 4 to 9. The Zhuhai Airshow Company announced on October 8 that the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force will play a full part at the Exhibition for the first time.

In addition, a set of advanced service planes will be on display. The J10 fighter jet, of particular interest to the public, may make an appearance at the exhibition.

The China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition is the only professional exhibition approved by China's Central Government. It is held every even year in Zhuhai. Although this is the sixth event since 1996, most airplanes on display at the previous five exhibitions have been replicas, and the only part that the PLA Air Force has played has been provided by performances from the Bayi parachute team.

The planes to be displayed at the exhibition by the Air Force have been selected, and will include military helicopters and air tankers as well as the main attraction-the J10 fighter jet. There will be around 16 Air Force planes on display.

China Aviation Industry Corporation I (AVIC-I) and AVIC-II will also send a set of advanced aircraft to the exhibition. The EC225, the Ministry of Transportation helicopter which served in Sichuan earthquake rescue operations, and the Super Puma helicopter of the Hong Kong flying service, will also be big attractions.

35 countries will participate in the exhibition, where visitors will have the opportunity to see the Airbus A380. There will be a total of over 60 aircraft on display.

Aerobatic performances by nine planes of the Sun Rays - the Indian Air Force Aerobatic Team-will certainly surprise exhibition visitors. This is their first visit to the Zhuhai event.

(China.org.cn by Wu Huanshu October 9, 2008)