China's most influential and only aviation event in Beijing, Aviation Expo China 2005 will kick off on September 21.

The four-day Expo will have 175 exhibitors from 21 countries and regions, who continue to show their support and offer the Chinese market a sample of the latest products of the aviation and airport industry. The event is expected to attract 20,000 trade visitors from China's aviation and airport industry.

Experts said the Expo will continue to be in the forefront in providing avenue for international aviation companies, suppliers and manufacturers to sell to the most exciting aviation market in the world.

According to industry figures, China will need 2,500 aircraft in the next 20 years to meet the explosive demand of tourism and business travelers in the country. Presently there are only 135 civil airports in China, and 100 more airports need to be built in the next 20 years to support the massive growth and development in China's aviation industry.

(Xinhua News Agency September 16, 2005)