By Zhang Lei and Gao Sifeng
Six J-10 aerobatic aircraft of the Bayi Aerobatic Team and one Y-20 transport aircraft under the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) fly over the pyramids at the Giza Pyramids scenic spot in Egypt on Wednesday. Photo by Zhou Min
CAIRO, Aug. 29 -- Six J-10 aerobatic aircraft of the Bayi Aerobatic Team and one Y-20 transport aircraft under the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) flew over the pyramids at noon on Wednesday local time ahead of its appearance at the First Egypt International Air Show upon invitation. The J-10 aerobatic aircraft released six trails of colored smoke in the sky, symbolizing the colors of the Chinese and Egyptian national flags. Visitors at the Giza Pyramids scenic spot eagerly took photos to capture the moment.
"This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of China-Egypt comprehensive strategic partnership. This flight show is a perfect merge of modern technology and historical monuments," said Li Bin, head of the PLAAF Bayi Aerobatic Team.
According to Pang Rongqi, pilot of the Y-20 transport aircraft, the aircraft had undertaken the mission to deliver disaster relief supplies to Tonga. The crew also carried out dozens of major missions, including international humanitarian assistance and transportation of the remains of the Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs from the ROK to China.
Days earlier, Xie Peng, a spokesperson for the PLAAF, said that this would be the Bayi Aerobatic Team's first performance in an African country and also the farthest flight overseas to date.
The mission crew flew over the gobi desert, snow-capped mountains, oceans and deserts along the way, which not only tested their ability to carry out the mission but also demonstrated the long-range mobility, delivery capabilities as well as the outcome of realistic combat training of the Chinese air force.