A helicopter of China's Fenglei aerobatic team is seen during a performance at the opening ceremony of the 6th China Helicopter Exposition in north China's Tianjin municipality Sept 14, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

TIANJIN - The 6th China Helicopter Exposition, concluding on Sunday, has served as a platform for fostering innovation, development and win-win cooperation.

A raft of activities, such as exhibitions, forums, airshows, new product releases and business negotiations, took place during this four-day expo held in north China's Tianjin Municipality.

ALSO READ: China expected to have 500 general aviation airports by 2025

A helicopter of China's Fenglei aerobatic team is seen during a performance at the opening ceremony of the 6th China Helicopter Exposition in north China's Tianjin municipality Sept 14, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

Over 350 exhibitors, including many major global helicopter manufacturers, attended the expo, seeking lucrative business opportunities in China's aviation industry.

According to a report released by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China Ltd (AVIC), the total number of China's civil helicopters is expected to reach 1,449 by 2027 and exceed 2,000 by 2032

During the expo, Airbus Helicopters, the European aircraft manufacturer, signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for strategic cooperation with Wanjiang Financial Leasing Co, Ltd According to the LOI, both parties will provide one-stop customized helicopter products and financing solutions for Chinese enterprise customers in general aviation, especially micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.

Airbus Helicopters has been a key partner in the Chinese helicopter sector for over 50 years. Currently, there are more than 300 Airbus helicopters flying in China, serving more than 90 customers.

READ MORE: Airbus inks with China's financial leasing company

According to a report released by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China Ltd (AVIC), the total number of China's civil helicopters is expected to reach 1,449 by 2027 and exceed 2,000 by 2032.

The rapid recovery and promising prospect of China's aviation market have ignited a strong desire among global helicopter manufacturers and suppliers to forge collaborations with their Chinese counterparts.

China's Fenglei aerobatic team performs at the opening ceremony of the 6th China Helicopter Exposition in north China's Tianjin municipality Sept 14, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

Alexander Tarasov, deputy CEO and head of design of the National Helicopter Center, Russian Helicopters, said he is interested in different Chinese components. "We would like to apply Chinese components to our helicopters. We want to expand our business with Chinese partners."

READ MORE: Li calls for further expanding Sino-French cooperation

Diverse exhibits featuring technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality and human-machine interaction were also showcased during the expo, with a total of 65 helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles put on display.

Sunkiss Matherm is a French company manufacturing equipment for drying system, which is needed in making aircraft.

"I'm looking for more Chinese customers. This expo gives me bright ideas of identifying who is who and what to do and to expand my business with Chinese potential customers," said Hervé Vigier, general manager of the company.