China displayed its new generation air tanker YY-20 for the first time at an airshow in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, which can sharply boost the airlift capabilities of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).

The air-to-air refueling aircraft is equipped with two refueling pods on both sides of the wings, which can refuel two combat aircraft simultaneously.

At the airshow, the YY-20 carried out aerial refueling with J-20, the country's most advanced stealth fighter jet, and J-16 fighter jet at the same time.

Wang Mingzhi, a military expert, said YY-20 is an upgrade of the transport aircraft Y-20 with the country's self-developed refueling technology, expanding air force's capability to maneuver, attack, defend and transport aircraft in a long range.

The YY-20 can carry over 100 tonnes of fuel, half of which can refuel other aircraft.

Besides refueling the aircraft, the YY-20 can operate as a transport plane like the Y-20 to undertake personnel and cargo delivery tasks, supporting combat aircraft on their mission.

"YY-20 is a multiplier for the air force, helping the aircraft fly longer and boosting PLA's long-range aviation capabilities," said Wang.

Read More: China's YY-20, J-20 and J-16 aircraft shown in picture for first time