They also claimed that Russian visitors were also denied access.
According to Airbus, the A400M is its “most advanced, proven and certified airlifter available”. The aircraft has both tactical airlift – transport of personnel and goods into theatres of operation – and strategic airlift – transport of assets like outsize and heavy vehicles or equipment – capabilities.
Singapore Airshow’s record numbers, China’s C919, raise hopes of post Covid boom
Singapore Airshow’s record numbers, China’s C919, raise hopes of post Covid boom
Chinese visitors were allegedly singled out, with staff apparently saying “Chinese go out” to those in the queue, he added.
In a video making its rounds on Weibo, a person wearing an Airbus lanyard can be heard asking a Chinese blogger for his nationality as he is visiting a “German aircraft”.
After learning about this situation, we immediately communicated and coordinated with relevant parties, promptly improved the visit process, and ensured that the aircraft was open to all visitors
Airbus said on its official Weibo account on Sunday that it rectified the visit process once the matter was brought to its attention.
“We noticed that during the public opening day of the Singapore Airshow, some visitors had questions about the visit of an A400M military transport aircraft,” the European aircraft manufacturer said.
“After learning about this situation, we immediately communicated and coordinated with relevant parties, promptly improved the visit process, and ensured that the aircraft was open to all visitors. We deeply regret the inconvenience caused by previous on-site work, and thank everyone for your continued attention and feedback.”
Airbus also stressed that it is “committed to becoming a trustworthy, long-term partner of the Chinese aviation industry”.
Chinese visitors were able to visit the A400M aircraft “freely” from Saturday afternoon, reported Chinese daily The Global Times.
The Singapore Airshow drew more than 30,000 visitors on Saturday, with China’s first airliner C919 making its global debut at the event. China’s Tibet Airlines finalised an order for 40 C919 jets and 10 ARJ21 regional jets last Tuesday.
CNA has contacted the airshow’s organisers for more information on certain visitors allegedly being prevented from viewing the A400M aircraft.