The Paris Air Show is the major event of the year for the entire aeronautics and space industry. Despite a gloomy economic climate, the air show attracted a large number of exhibitors and visitors as well. If the number of participants from the United States has decreased due to the crisis of the air industry, exhibitors from Europe and other countries are on the rise.

The order of more than 20 A-380 airplanes form Airbus seems to be the largest business deal during the air show. As part of Airbus' global development strategy, the market of China occupies a very important place.

At this year's air show, the participation from Asian and East European countries is on the rise. Four companies from China showed their latest development in the air and space industry. Visitors made a long queue to have a close look at the airplane designed completely by China and which will be in service in two years.

A French visitor said: "The plane has a beautiful outlook, very beautiful, and it's comfortable inside. This has nothing to do with what we have seen of the ordinary planes."

The air show will last a week until 22, when French Prime Minister Rafarin will come for a visit.

(CCTV.com June 16, 2003)