Chinese aviation industry takes off with homegrown technology

Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) also revealed plans to cooperate with Chinese firms in developing their own engines.

"One of our key areas of cooperation will be development of aircraft engines, including the PD-35 project," said UAC President Yury Slyusar told Xinhua.

While most "Made in China" aircraft on display were from state-owned companies, private firms also brought their latest creations to the show.

Drone-maker Starloop Aviation showed off their turbine-powered drones that can be used in emergency relief and environmental monitoring.

"The national strategy of integrating military and civilian sectors has opened up opportunities for private firms to invest in the aviation industry. Drones are one of the fields where private investment can actively engage," said Tian Song, chief executive of Starloop.

"Both military and civilian sectors have made big progress," said Fu Qianshao, an aviation expert. "In the future, the biggest challenge as well as opportunity lies in innovation. Chinese aviation needs innovation to 'take off'."