On October 31, top officials of Russia's aircraft industry announced plans at Airshow China 2006, the country's largest air show, to secure major contracts to sell cargo planes to Chinese companies.

Aircraft maker Tupolev said it expects to sell two cargo planes to China this year and three next year, while Ilyushin said it plans to deliver at least three planes at the end of 2008.

The huge five-day exhibition in the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai attracted aircraft makers from 18 countries, seeking lucrative contracts on the booming Chinese market, including giants Boeing and Airbus.

As well as civilian aircraft makers, more than 50 Russian defense companies, including Sukhoi and MiG, are presenting fighter planes, helicopters, and military technology at the show.

Speaking on the sidelines of the air show, Alexander Rubtsov, head of the Ilyushin Finance aircraft leasing company, which also finances exports, said the company plans to supply at least three Il-96-400 wide-body cargo aircraft by the end of 2008 or early 2009.

"Given our work load, we can supply the aircraft to China in late 2008 or early 2009," Rubtsov said, adding that an agreement on intent has been signed, and a contract will be signed after certification procedures are completed in Russia.

Il-96-400 is a modification of the Il-96-300 aircraft, which comes in passenger and transport versions. Ilyushin Finance earlier said the cargo version will undergo certification in summer 2007, and the passenger version will be certified at a later date.

Rubtsov did not disclose the price of the future deal or name the customer in China, but said it is a privately-owned cargo carrier.

At the air show near Hong Kong, which runs until November 5, Chinese aerospace companies also showcased military and civilian technology, including the country's first regional jet to be aimed at the international export market.

The head of Russia's Tupolev Co., one of the country's leading aircraft builders, said two Tu-204 medium cargo aircraft will be supplied to China in 2006, and another three next year under a contract with Air China Cargo.

"We plan to supply the first two Tu-204SE aircraft to China this year, and another three next year," Igor Shevchuk said.

Shevchuk said the first aircraft has been completed and tested, and the other will be completed within the coming days.

He also said the first group of Chinese maintenance personnel has been trained in Russia, and pilots are expected in Russia for training before November 10.

Shevchuk said he is confident that Russia will sell more Tu-204SE cargo planes to China, and said the company's Chinese partner was interested in buying another ten cargo planes in the future.