In Zhuhai, Guangdong Province Sunday the sixth Airshow China closed with US$3 billion worth of contracts and letters of intent signed. The seven-day event saw participation from approximately 550 space and aviation companies from 33 countries and regions. They occupied an exhibition space of 17,000 square meters.

Fifty-two types of aircraft were on display according to a source with the show's organizing committee. Fifteen contracts and letters of intent were signed with a value of US$3 billion and involving deals on 98 aircraft, the source said.

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp. signed contracts on three satellites and three rocket launchers with China Satellite Communications Corp. and Sino Satellite Communications Co. Ltd., involving 2 billion yuan (US$253 million).

AVIC One (the China Aviation Industry Corporation One) and Xi'an Aeroengine (Group) Ltd. in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, inked deals with SNECMA Moteurs France on cooperation in production of aircraft engines and parts, worth US$177 million.

The aeroengine company under Xi'an Aircraft Industry (Group) Ltd., also based in Xi'an, signed a memorandum of understanding on long-term cooperation with US-based GE on products worth US$140 million.

And Shanghai Airlines and Airbus signed a contract on five A321 aircraft. Xi'an Aircraft Industry (Group) Ltd. inked a framework agreement with Okay Airlines, a short-haul carrier based in Tianjin, north China, on 30 domestically-made Xinzhou-60 planes. A contract was signed on another 30 Xinzhou-60s between Xi'an and China Aviation Technology Import and Export Corp.

The seventh Airshow China is due to be held in Zhuhai from November 4 to 9, 2008, the source said.

(China.org.cn, Xinhua News Agency November 6, 2006)