(Yicai Global) Oct. 22 -- An Italian helicopter maker's AW189 landed at Shanghai's Gaodong Heliport over the weekend as it readies to go on display at the first China International Import Expo from Nov. 4 to 10.

The CNY200 million (USD29 million) chopper touched down on Oct. 20 after leaving Malaysia three days earlier and passing through several cities in China's southern Guangdong province. It will be one of three Leonardo aircraft going on display at the CIIE, Rongyuan Zhang, assistant to the chairman of Sino-US Intercontinental Helicopter Investment Shanghai, told Yicai Global. The firm is Leonardo's sole distributor in China.

"We're optimistic about the Chinese market, but people don't know much about this kind of helicopter at the moment," Zhang said. In China the sector is still in its infancy and Leonardo has taken only about 200 orders there so far, compared with 50,000 worldwide. Zhang hopes the companies can use the CIIE to foster new customers and popularize major helicopter makers in the country.

The AW189 has an industry-leading integrated avionics system, carries up to 19 passengers, and can be used in sea commutes, search and rescue and law enforcement, Zhang added. 

Leonardo and Sino-US Intercontinental also plan to set up a helicopter training and manufacturing center in China and form an industry train that encompasses production, sales, training and after-sales services.

"As well as relevant laws and regulations, China's helicopter industry is affected by market recognition and consumer choice," Zhang said, adding that once consumption habits are formed, policies and talent cultivation will improve quickly.