China's Y-20 Makes Its Overseas Debut at Egypt Airshow

China's Y-20 strategic transport plane made its first appearance at an overseas airshow on Tuesday, showcasing its impressive capabilities to visitors at the Egypt International Airshow 2024.

The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) Y-20 performed a series of maneuvers during its nine-minute flight over the El Alamein International Airport, including high-angle climbs, dives, steep turns, and low-speed flyovers. This marked the first time the Y-20 has been displayed at an international airshow.

The three-day event, held in the Mediterranean coastal city of El Alamein, is the first international airshow to be hosted by Egypt. Prior to this event, the Y-20 had only been showcased at Chinese airshows.

The Y-20, developed by the state-owned defense contractor Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), made its maiden flight in January 2013 and began deliveries to the PLAAF in July 2016. With a maximum takeoff weight of around 200 metric tons, the Y-20 is capable of transporting cargo and personnel over long distances in various weather conditions. It is one of the world's largest strategic heavy-lift jets and plays a crucial role in the PLAAF's strategic transport capabilities.

Before the Y-20's introduction, the PLAAF's transport fleet primarily consisted of Y-7, Y-8, and their variants, all based on types imported from the former Soviet Union.

In addition to the Y-20, the PLAAF also sent its August 1st Air Demonstration Team, China's renowned aerobatics team, to the Egyptian airshow. The team, along with seven J-10 fighter jets, arrived in Egypt on August 26th after completing the longest deployment in their 62-year history. On August 28th, the Chinese aircraft, led by the Y-20, conducted a training flight over the iconic Giza Pyramids.

The Egypt airshow marks the August 1st team's first performance in Africa. The long-distance flight to Egypt, covering nearly 10,000 kilometers, was a testament to the skills and physical abilities of the Chinese pilots and showcased the PLAAF's long-range operational capabilities.

The PLAAF's participation in foreign airshows signifies its growing openness and confidence. By showcasing their skills and aircraft capabilities at international events, Chinese pilots can compare their hardware and skills with those of their foreign counterparts, leading to further improvement and development.