"Captivated at First Sight"... Chinese Netizens Praise Female Aerial Refueling Pilot at Military Parade

Colonel Tan Hongmei, the Female Pilot of the Y-20A, Captivates the Nation
Her Exceptional Skills and Dedication Spark Admiration Online

A female military pilot who flew the Y-20A aerial refueling aircraft during the Chinese Victory Day military parade has become a sensation online.

Female pilot Tan Hongmei Shangzuo (Colonel) who flew the Y-20A at the Chinese National Day military parade. Chinese state-run China Central Television (CCTV)

On September 4 (local time), Chinese state-run China Central Television (CCTV) reported, "Colonel Tan Hongmei, the female pilot who flew the Y-20A to perform aerial refueling by connecting fighter jets and transport aircraft during the parade, has captured the attention of the entire nation."

The previous day, China held a military parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of the 'Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War (Victory Day).' During the parade, an aerial refueling formation appeared over Tiananmen, with three Y-20A aircraft preparing to refuel the H-6N bomber and the J-16 and J-20 fighter jets in midair.

After Colonel Tan Hongmei appeared during the parade, Chinese netizens responded enthusiastically. One user commented, "She stood out immediately. Colonel Tan Hongmei is the best." Other reactions included, "A handsome female captain!" and "I was captivated the moment I saw her."

Colonel Tan Hongmei is a member of the Air Force unit under the Central Theater Command and is one of the few female pilots serving as a Y-20 captain. She was selected as part of the seventh class of female pilots.

The outlet reported, "She is known for constantly challenging herself and racing against time," adding, "Tan Hongmei has flown six different aircraft types, carried out various major exercises and training missions, and demonstrated the strength and resilience of female pilots in the air force of a major power."

It continued, "As one of the initial pilots involved in the Y-20's early modifications, she dedicated herself to traveling between the airport, flight classrooms, and her quarters to ensure successful flights. When she faced difficulties in aviation theory, she studied with reference books, and by practicing seat operations at the airport every day, she eventually completed solo flights and modification missions, becoming one of the Y-20 captains."

According to the Central Theater Command, Tan Hongmei's husband, Zhang Hao, is also a pilot in the Air Force unit under the Central Theater Command. In 2023, their family was selected as one of "China's Most Beautiful Families."