Italian helicopter manufacturers and suppliers are enthusiastic about the potential for increased cooperation with their counterparts in China.
The sixth China Helicopter Exposition, which recently concluded in Tianjin Municipality in northern China, attracted over 350 exhibitors, including several Italian industry leaders in the helicopter sector, all aiming to explore business prospects in China’s rapidly growing aviation industry.
This year’s exposition saw the Italian Aviation Company booth featuring real-time displays and presentations by multiple Italian companies. The Italian Aerospace Network (IAN), an industry association, facilitated the participation of five Italian companies in the event. Andrea Spiriti, President of the IAN, expressed optimism about the Chinese market environment and the development opportunities for Italian firms in China. He noted that their experience at the expo had been very positive.
The China Helicopter Exposition has become a pivotal event for the global helicopter industry, serving as an important barometer for China’s helicopter sector development and an ideal platform for international collaboration within the industry.
Luca Greco, Key Account Manager in the Sales Department of CIMA, an Italian manufacturer of helicopter gear and transmissions, stated that his colleagues had attended the second China Helicopter Exposition held a decade ago. However, the scale of this year’s event far surpassed that of the 2013 edition.
“Our product is a critical component of helicopters, and currently, we manufacture it entirely in Italy. In the future, we are hopeful for collaborations with Chinese companies,” Greco added.
Leonardo Helicopters, a leading manufacturer of civil helicopters worldwide, showcased its impressive lineup, including the 8.6-tonne twin-engine helicopter AW189, the 7-tonne twin-engine helicopter AW139 (its most sought-after model for civil applications), and the 3.2-tonne twin-engine helicopter AW109SP. These exhibits drew considerable attention from potential buyers.
During the exposition, the company sealed deals to deliver two AW189 helicopters to Beijing General Aviation Co., Ltd., and four AW139 helicopters to another Chinese client, CITIC Offshore Helicopter.
Zhang Jianye, Head of Leonardo Helicopters’ China branch, remarked, “We have participated in all the helicopter expos since the inaugural session. The expo continues to grow in scale, with an increasing number of Chinese self-developed brands making their presence felt.”
The two AW189 helicopters delivered to Beijing will be utilized for future emergency rescue and disaster relief. The model had already demonstrated its outstanding performance during recent rescue operations in flood-affected areas of Beijing earlier this year.
Zhang emphasized that the exposition has served as a valuable platform for fostering open exchanges, enabling global helicopter enterprises to collaborate in advancing the industry.
He is confident that China’s civil helicopter market will continue to expand and attract more investments in the near future. Zhang conveyed their open attitude and hope for increased collaboration with Chinese partners, considering China’s open stance and rapid economic growth as strong magnets for foreign companies.
In summary, Italian helicopter manufacturers are eagerly looking forward to deeper and more fruitful partnerships with the dynamic Chinese aviation industry, as both nations seek to benefit from their respective strengths and expertise.
