On Nov. 5, 1996, newly constructed China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition Center was clustered around by flowers, flags and steams of people. The first edition of Airshow China, representing State Act and the dream of innumerous people involved in the aerospace industry, officially opened, which was the prelude of Airshow China and fulfilled the Airshow Dream of Chinese people.
Four hundred aviation and aerospace industries and delegations from 25 countries and regions with 96 military and civil aircrafts from both China and abroad which represented the advanced level of 1990s, gathered in Zhuhai for the first time. The world-famous aviation and aerospace companies thronged to ¡°Chinese Gathering¡± showing their best goods and strongest power. ¡°Long March 2 Strap-on¡± was shown for its first time. The aerobatic display was another highlight of Airshow China 1996. The unique motion named ¡°cobra¡± from SU27 and SU28, the masterful technique of in-flight refueling by IL78, the wonderful performance from ¡°Golden Dream¡± aerobatic team and the ¡°World Aerobatics Grand Prix¡¯ with its 11 top pilots impressed the audience deeply. F-8IIM which had a good name ¡°Apollo in the air¡± and Z-9A won a broad praise for its reliability and agility as well.
During the show, there were 5 large seminars, such as ¡°China Aviation & Aerospace in 21C¡± and ¡° Strategy for Aviation Club Development¡±. Contracts on 16 projects valued near 2 billion USD were signed. About 700,000 people visited the show and 1500 journalists from home and abroad reported this great gathering. Airshow China showed the world an attractive China with powerful aviation & aerospace industry.