On August 28, the 100-day countdown to the 16th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China 2026) commenced in Zhuhai, Guangdong. The event, scheduled for December 7-13, 2026, will mark the 30th anniversary of Airshow China, which was founded in 1996. A commemorative logo featuring a three-dimensional, gold-toned "30" was unveiled, incorporating tech-inspired aviation and advanced manufacturing elements with gradient ribbons in blue, purple, and magenta.
In his remarks, Li Xiaodong, Deputy Secretary-General of the People's Government of Zhuhai Municipality and Deputy Secretary-General of the Zhuhai Executive Committee of Airshow China, 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 global industrial-chain coordination, green aviation, the low-altitude economy (also known as advanced air mobility), aircraft engines aftermarket services, and general aviation development. Representatives from peer event organizer International Aviation and Space Salon (MAKS) and major aviation players including Boeing delivered video remarks, expressing anticipation for returning to Airshow China with state-of-the-art products and services.
During a round-table dialogue, Dai Haibin, spokesperson for AVIC General Aircraft Company, noted that Airshow China has served as an excellent platform for debuting key aircraft, including the AG600 "Kunlong" amphibious aircraft. Xu Shixin, Chief Operating Officer of Embraer China, highlighted the Chinese market's huge potential and well-developed industrial system, unlocking opportunities in green aviation and low-altitude economy. Embraer is ready for deeper collaboration on eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) 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 Beijing Institute of Technology, Zhuhai; Alipay (Hangzhou) Digital Service Technology Co., Ltd; and Truly HONEST Investment Limited, among others. The collaborations will develop products integrating traditional culture with aerospace technology, AI-powered digital commemorative ticket stubs using NFC technology, and derivative products based on sci-fi intellectual properties.
Over its 30-year history, Airshow China has expanded dramatically: 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.
