Aircraft exporter to spread its wings abroad

China's national aircraft exporter is seeking to expand its market share by selling more advanced planes to foreign clients, according to an executive from the company.

"We have started development of the two-seater FC-1 Fierce Dragon and plan to introduce it to the international market in three to four years," Ma Zhiping, general manager of China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corp, said at the 50th International Paris Air Show.

The Paris event, which claims to be the world's oldest and largest air show, was established in 1909 and is held every other year at Le Bourget Airport in northern Paris.

"Many potential buyers have told us they hope we can produce a two-seater variant of the FC-1 Fierce Dragon. We are in negotiations with several countries on their purchases," Ma said. "We hope at least one contract can be signed this year."

He added the likely deal will involve a considerable number of FC-1s.

"Around two years ago, I said we had hoped we could sell 300 FC-1s within five years. Now two years have passed and the sales record gives me full confidence of achieving this goal."

Ma's company is the biggest State-owned enterprise exporting aviation defense products and has a strong presence in the global military aircraft market. It is run under the Aviation Industry Corp of China (AVIC), the country's leading aircraft manufacturer.

The FC-1 Fierce Dragon is a third-generation multi-role combat aircraft developed by AVIC in cooperation with the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, the leading aviation company in Pakistan.