The 2024 China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (commonly known as the Zhuhai Airshow) was held from November 12 to 17, 2024, in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province. Unlike the Changchun Airshow, which is open only to Chinese citizens, the Zhuhai Airshow is China’s only aviation exhibition open to the international public, and its biennial schedule continues to draw aerospace enthusiasts from around the world.
According to CCTV Military News, 1,022 companies participated in this year’s event, with 1,195 aircraft of various types sold and total signed contracts reaching 285.6 billion RMB. Notably, the number of foreign exhibitors grew by 104% compared to the previous edition. Several new aircraft made their public debut, attracting over 600,000 visitors to the venue.
This article, featuring exclusive photography from the Machspeed team on-site, offers a close-up look at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow’s highlights and headline performances.
J-35 Makes Its Public Debut at Zhuhai
The biggest highlight of this year’s airshow was undoubtedly the public debut of the J-35. The flight demonstration was brief—the aircraft streaked across the skies over the exhibition area, lit its afterburner, then rapidly climbed and disappeared from sight. Its formal appearance at the show signaled the end of a decade-long development process, with the aircraft receiving an official designation and now entering formal service.
The J-35 was developed by AVIC Shenyang Aircraft Corporation and first appeared at the Zhuhai Airshow in 2014. Due to its manufacturer designation, FC-31, the aircraft was long speculated to be designated J-31. Originally conceived as one of the competing designs for China’s next-generation fighter program in the 1990s, the FC-31 lost out to Chengdu’s J-20 design. However, Shenyang chose to continue development, aiming at potential export opportunities.
In September 2012, prototype 31001 was revealed and conducted high-speed taxi tests the following month. It completed its maiden flight accompanied by two J-11BS fighters. The FC-31’s appearance at the 2014 Zhuhai Airshow was widely seen as a signal of export intent. CCTV reported that it might be aimed at both export and carrier-based roles, with the final version differing significantly from the prototypes, including domestically developed engines. Multiple configurations of the FC-31 existed during testing.
By July 2022, a prototype with serial number 350003 conducted test flights. The absence of black smoke during afterburner use hinted at the adoption of the WS-13 engine, and the removal of the nose-mounted pitot tube suggested an AESA radar was installed. In September 2023, images confirmed the first flight of a land-based J-35A, likely distinct from the eventual carrier-based version. Indicators included a smaller wing area, horizontal stabilizers not blended into the wings, and overall differences from earlier FC-31 variants.
On November 12, 2024, the J-35A made its official debut at Zhuhai, demonstrating the PLAAF’s confidence in the fighter. It is now nearing formal induction into frontline service. Once commissioned, China will become the second country after the United States to field two fifth-generation fighter types simultaneously. Meanwhile, naval variants of the J-35 are believed to be undergoing testing aboard the third Chinese aircraft carrier, Fujian, and are expected to enter public view soon.
Su-57 Captivates Despite J-35’s Debut
Despite the excitement surrounding the J-35, the spotlight was not entirely stolen from Russia’s Su-57, which continued to draw considerable attention throughout the event.
Two Su-57s were featured at the airshow. The T-50-4 (Blue 054) and its support aircraft arrived in Zhuhai via China’s Taiyuan Wusu International Airport to participate in flight displays. Meanwhile, the T-50-7 (Blue 057), configured for static display, was delivered to Zhuhai via an Antonov An-124 transport aircraft.
Except for one day canceled due to weather, the Su-57 performed daily 10-minute aerial demonstrations. These flights were piloted by Sergei Bogdan, a legendary 62-year-old test pilot from the Sukhoi Design Bureau. Bogdan previously performed at Zhuhai in 2014, piloting the Su-35 to great acclaim. His Su-57 demonstration included high-difficulty maneuvers such as Pugachev’s Cobra and Falling Leaf, culminating in an extremely tight final approach and landing, showcasing the jet’s extreme agility. Bogdan received enthusiastic applause upon landing.
It was also reported that Algeria signed a foreign military sales agreement for the Su-57 during the event, potentially becoming the first international customer of the aircraft.
J-20 Maintains Its Dominant Presence
Since its debut at the Zhuhai Airshow in 2016, the J-20 has become a frequent visitor to the Zhuhai Airshow.
Nicknamed “Mighty Dragon,” the J-20 is China’s first indigenous fifth-generation stealth heavyweight fighter, developed by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation. The aircraft first flew in 2011 and was inducted into the Chinese Air Force in 2017. Designed to deliver long-range strike, air superiority, and stealth penetration capabilities, the J-20 plays a pivotal role in China’s shift toward a more offensive air doctrine.
Currently, the J-20 is operational in multiple combat brigades within the PLAAF and has taken part in various high-intensity training exercises. It is considered a strategic platform on par with the U.S. F-22 and F-35.
Russian “Knights” Return After Eight Years
Also participating in the 2024 airshow was Russia’s “Russian Knights” aerobatic team, making their return to China after an eight-year hiatus. The team and its support aircraft transited through Taiyuan Wusu International Airport before arriving at Zhuhai. Their last performance at the China Airshow was in 2016. This year also marked the team’s first Zhuhai appearance after switching to the Su-35S.
The Russian Knights were established in April 1991 and are one of the most renowned aerobatic demonstration teams in the world. Their signature routines include the “Nesterov Loop,” “Afterburner Spiral,” “Half Roll Climb,” “Head-On Dive,” and “Tulip Bloom,” among others. Notably, these maneuvers are executed at low altitudes (60–150 meters) and high speeds (800–900 km/h), demonstrating exceptional precision and thrilling the audience with their visual impact.
Cover photo by Allen Zhang. “Zhuhai Airshow 2024 Report Part I: A Showcase of Cutting-edge Chinese and Russian Fighters.”
