On August 28, the 100-day countdown to the 16th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China 2026) was officially launched in Zhuhai, Guangdong. Scheduled for December 7-13, this year's event marks a significant milestone as Airshow China celebrates its 30th anniversary. A commemorative logo featuring a three-dimensional, gold-toned '30' was unveiled, symbolizing the event's three decades of growth and its integration of advanced aviation and manufacturing elements.
Li Xiaodong, Deputy Secretary-General of the People's Government of Zhuhai Municipality, emphasized the event's evolution: 'Over the past three decades, Airshow China has grown increasingly international, professional and market-oriented, establishing itself as one of the world's premier airshows. In 2026, Airshow China will continue to benchmark itself against world-class exhibitions and contribute to the development of aviation industry clusters.'
The launch event featured a World Airshow Dialogue session where industry representatives discussed topics such as global industrial-chain coordination, green aviation, the low-altitude economy (advanced air mobility), aircraft engines aftermarket services, and general aviation development. Representatives from MAKS and Boeing delivered video remarks, expressing anticipation for returning to Airshow China with state-of-the-art products and services to foster deeper industrial exchanges.
In a round-table dialogue, Dai Haibin, spokesperson for AVIC General Aircraft Company, highlighted that Airshow China has been an excellent platform for debuting key aircraft, including the AG600 'Kunlong' amphibious aircraft. Xu Shixin, Chief Operating Officer of Embraer China, noted the Chinese market's huge potential and well-developed industrial system, unlocking opportunities for cooperation in green aviation and the low-altitude economy. Embraer is ready for deeper collaboration on eVTOL aircraft development and building a low-altitude transportation ecosystem.
At the event, Zhuhai Airshow International Culture Communication Co., Ltd. signed IP merchandise cooperation agreements with partners including Beijing Institute of Technology, Zhuhai; Alipay (Hangzhou) Digital Service Technology Co., Ltd; and Truly HONEST Investment Limited. The collaborations cover product development integrating traditional culture with aerospace technology, AI-powered digital commemorative ticket stubs enabled by NFC technology, and derivative products based on sci-fi intellectual properties.
Over its 30-year history, Airshow China has expanded remarkably: from less than 8,000 square meters at its debut in 1996 to 450,000 square meters at its latest edition. The number of participating countries and regions has grown from 25 to 47, cementing Airshow China's status as one of the world's most influential aviation and aerospace exhibitions. As the countdown begins, the event promises to showcase the latest advancements and foster global collaboration in the aviation industry.
