Recently, CCTV-4 broadcast "Lu Jian Interview: A Dialogue with Zhang Yanzhong". In the program, Academician Zhang Yanzhong – an alumnus of the Department of Physics of Northwest University (Class of 1962), a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, an aviation strategic scientist, Director of the Expert Advisory Committee for the National Science and Technology Major Projects of “Large Aircraft” and “Aero-Engines and Gas Turbines”, Chief Designer of the Independent Engineering of the C919 large jet, and recipient of the 7th Outstanding Alumnus “Yulan Award” of Northwest University – shared with host Lu Jian, at Beijing Daxing International Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, and inside the cabin of the C919 aircraft (which he participated in developing throughout the entire process), the arduous journey of Chinese aviation professionals in turning the dream of “letting China’s large aircraft soar in the blue sky” into reality step by step.
After graduating from the Department of Physics in 1962, Academician Zhang Yanzhong devoted himself to China’s aviation industry, thus embarking on a journey of serving the country through aviation that has lasted for more than 60 years. He took the lead in introducing a number of new aviation technologies, led his team to overcome numerous difficulties, and accomplished challenging aircraft fault diagnosis tasks. In 1981, to further master cutting-edge knowledge in global aviation science and technology, he gave up his position as Deputy Director of the 304th Research Institute and pursued further studies at Trinity College, University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. In 1984, he became the first Chinese doctoral graduate of Trinity College.