Yan Han and her husband, Yuan Guangyu, work for AVIC Jiangxi Hongdu Aviation Industry Group Company Ltd. (Hongdu Group), in East China's Jiangxi Province. For more than two decades, they have devoted themselves to scientific research in the aviation industry, and they have made many contributions that have helped improve the quality of China's aviation equipment. They have done their part to build China into a strong aviation country.

On July 1, 2021, during the ceremony to mark the centenary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), 10 aircraft (used for military pilot training) blew red, yellow and blue smoke as they flew over Tian'anmen Square. The aircraft had been manufactured by Hongdu Group. 

"We were so proud as we watched the aircraft, produced by our company, fly over Tian'anmen Square," Yan recalls.

In May 2022, Yan's family was named a National Most Beautiful Family.

Toward the Goal

Yan and Yuan began working for Hongdu Group 21 years ago, after they graduated from university. The couple always urges each other to work hard, and to cope with various difficulties. They have worked toward the same goal: To achieve innovation in the research of aviation techniques.

They have worked day and night. "We have worked for Hongdu for 21 years. We, together with our colleagues, have overcome difficulties, one after another, during each research project. The research process was painstaking, but we felt proud after we completed each project," Yan says.

When Yan led her team in the development of avionic-airborne software, the team developed software architecture based on a comparatively advanced design in the aviation industry. Each member of Yan's team was responsible for a particular aspect of the software's development. The team members worked simultaneously to improve efficiency in the design process.

In recognition of her leading her team in research achievements, Yan has received several awards in recent years, including being named a pacesetter in science and technology in the national campaign, "Goals and Contributions" (launched by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the National Development and Reform Commission). She also received the second-class merit award to an individual presented by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, Ltd. (AVIC).

Whenever Yuan has tested a certain product, he has worked in a laboratory, even for several months, to ensure the product did not have any flaws. He often stared at monitors, continuously, sometimes for four or five hours. His tasks were tiring and challenging. He had to rely on his rich work experiences as he analyzed the reasons for each breakdown, and as he tried to find solutions to the problems. Yuan has received several awards, from AVIC, including the third-class merit award for an individual and the second-class honor in science and technology research.

Family's Happiness, Country's Development Connected

Yan's mother, Yang Yanchun, is 72. Yang is one of Hongdu Group's retired employees. Yan says many of her childhood memories involve her company, Hongdu. When Yan was a girl, she often woke up early to the sound of aircraft produced by Hongdu.

Yan met Yuan, who also worked in Hongdu, in 2001, and they got married in 2004. Yan's daily work schedule is full, but she believes working diligently is an "honor." She cherishes each opportunity to participate in a business trip. She always hopes to learn from each trip. Yuan helps her prepare her luggage, and he tells her to look after herself during each trip. 

As Yang used to work for the same company, she understands the importance of Yan and Yuan's work. Since her retirement, Yang has taken charge of the family's chores, to support her daughter and son-in-law, so they can concentrate on their work. When Yan is not busy, she gives her mother a massage, to help her relax. Yan is happy, because she has an understanding mother, who takes care of her child — and the whole family.

Yan and Yuan's daughter, Yuan Zishan, is 8. Yuan Zishan does not like it when Yan has to leave home on a business trip. In fact, both of her parents are very busy. They have very little time to take Yuan Zishan outside to play. However, Yuan Zishan is proud of her parents. "After I grow up, I want to wear a blue uniform, like that of my grandmother and my parents, who work in the aviation industry," she says.

Whenever Yuan Zishan encounters a problem, her parents generally encourage her to find the solution herself. For example, they will listen to their daughter as she explains the problem, and then they find books and/or case studies that might inspire Yuan Zishan to find a solution. Yan and Yuan Guangyu believe it is best that they let their child cope with the difficulty, because that will guide her to find the solution — by herself. 

No matter how busy they are, Yan and Yuan Guangyu always try to return home for dinner with Yang and Yuan Zishan. Dinner is a time when the four-member family can talk about interesting things that have happened in the workplace, in school or at home. During weekends and holidays, the family likes to visit museums and memorial halls in Jiangxi Province, to help Yuan Zishan learn about China's revolutionary history, and to help Yuan Zishan deepen her love for the Communist Party of China, and for her motherland.

Yan and Yuan Guangyu connect the happiness of their small family with the development of China's aviation industry, and with the realization of the Chinese Dream. They are contributing their family's strength as they help build China into a strong and prosperous country.

Photos Supplied by Interviewees

(Source: The Department of Family and Children's Affairs of the All-China Women's Federation/Women of China English Monthly March 2023 issue)