A China-developed advanced trainer has become one of the highlights at the ongoing 2009 Dubai International Airshow in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), local media reported Tuesday.

The L-15 Falcon, developed by Hongdu Aviation Industry Group, an aircraft manufacturer subordinated to Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), made "its debut outside its homeland here at the airshow," said Dubai Airshow News, an official publication of the exhibition.

"Appearing for the first time outside China, the L-15 Falcon is at Dubai to promote its capabilities here in a region that offers significant market potential for advanced trainers," it said.

The publication noted that AVIC is highlighting its ability to provide total training solutions for modern air arms.

"The design's large leading-edge extensions and tall fin give good angle-of-attack capability, a valuable feature for instructing pilots destined for maneuverable fighters," Dubai Airshow News said.

Maktoob Business, a leading business news website in the region, also said the Middle East could be a fertile ground for potential sales for the L-15, which entered flight testing in 2006.

"The L-15 is just a good beginning of Chinese aircraft in the international market," Wu Fanghui, chairman of Hongdu Aviation Industry Group, told Maktoob Business in an interview.

The 2009 Dubai Airshow, the region's foremost aviation exhibition, opened Sunday at the Dubai Airport Expo Center.

Some 900 companies from 48 countries or regions are exhibiting at the biennial event, an increase over the previous show in 2007. Up to 150 new-to-market exhibitors from 20 countries are making their debuts at the show and more than 50,000 visitors are expected.

For the five-day exhibition, AVIC organized a strong lineup of more than 200 people from professional companies in the fields of helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft and aviation systems.

(Xinhua News Agency November 17, 2009)