China's first amphibious aircraft, named the AG600, is recently all set to make its maiden flight in the first half of 2017 after its four engines successfully passed a series of rigorous tests.

"Our company is engaged in the AG 600's R&D of communication and navigation systems. The Aircraft Communications and Navigation Systems are equivalent to the 'eyes' and 'ears' of the jumbo", said Wang Yanbin, Project Chief Designer of China Electronics Technology Avionics Co., Ltd (CETCA), headquartered in Chengdu Hi-tech zone. 

[CETCA headquarter]

In fact, the "Made in Chengdu Hi-tech" in the field of China-made aircraft is commonplace, the communication and navigation systems and cabin entertainment systems of C919 are also made in Chengdu. Y-20, C919 and AG 600 are dubbed as the "Three Musketeers of Chinese big aircrafts".

The Chengdu's aerospace and aviation industry now ranks the fourth in China, and Sichuan Province is one of the most important industrial centers for the aeronautics and aerospace industry and an important aviation industry base in the country.

As the first national independent innovation demonstration area in western China, Chengdu Hi-tech zone is an important industrialized carrier for the development of general aviation industry in Sichuan. After 20 years's development, it has initially formed the characteristics of  "avionics + aviation parts + aviation maintenance and service", with its aviation equipment and systems in a leading level in China.

"So far, we have gathered more than 40 leading aviation enterprises, such as China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC), Haite Group, the Second Research Institute of Civil Aviation Administration of China, Chengdu Aerotech Manufacturing Co., Ltd., the Timken company and Sichuan Golden Dragon Machinery Co., Ltd., making up Chengdu Hi-tech zone's solid foundation for aviation equipment industry development", an official of Chengdu Hi-tech zone said.

He added that the Hi-tech zone "will actively build the aviation industry park, promote the aviation industry gathering and achieve cluster development".

In May 2016, Chengdu started the construction of Tianfu International Airport with a designed passenger throughput of 90 million.The first phase project with a designed throughput of 40 million passengers is estimated to be completed in 2019. This means Chengdu will have two international airports in operation by 2020, and its annual throughput will hit 100 million passengers.

Email: lijia@nbd.com.cn