He said the plane boosts the PLA Air Force's long-range capabilities and can also transport personnel and cargo like the Y-20.

Before the YY-20, the PLA Air Force made use of a small number of HY-6 tankers, refitted versions of the decades-old H-6 bombers. It also has several Ilyushin Il-78 aerial refueling jets purchased from Russia.

In another development, Shen said that the J-20, J-16, Y-20 and other advanced aircraft will take part in an aerial display at the Changchun event, with PLA Air Force aerobatic teams engaging in stunt performances.

This will be the first public PLA Air Force event in three years.