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A glimpse of China's Y-20 transport aircraft and its captain

China 15:49, 28-Jun-2026

CGTN

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A formation of Y-20 transport aircraft taxiing down the runway. /PLA Air Force

Ground crew guide a Y-20 aircraft as it moves into the parking position. /PLA Air Force

Troops board a Y-20 aircraft in an orderly manner. /PLA Air Force

Y-20 pilots march in formation. /PLA Air Force

A Y-20 aircraft conducts aerial refueling training with fighter jets. /PLA Air Force

Zhang Peng (front), Y-20 captain and flight instructor, and three co-pilots walk alongside the aircraft. /PLA Air Force

Zhang Peng, Y-20 captain and flight instructor, stands under the wing of the aircraft. /PLA Air Force

Zhang Peng, Y-20 captain and flight instructor, walking on the runway. /PLA Air Force

"If one day I am needed on the front line, I will be the first aircraft there."

For Captain Zhang Peng, that's more than a statement. It’s a commitment.

A decade ago, he was among the first PLA Air Force pilots selected to operate the Y-20, China’s largest domestically built strategic transport aircraft.

Since then, he has flown missions ranging from long-range transport to delivering humanitarian aid, including transporting rescue teams and supplies to earthquake-hit Myanmar in 2025.

Today, his role extends beyond the cockpit. As a flight instructor, Zhang is helping train the next generation of Y-20 pilots, passing on flying skills and the responsibility that comes with wearing the uniform.

"When the nation calls, they should be ready to take off immediately and turn from pilots into warriors."