On August 28, the 100-day countdown to the 16th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China 2026) officially began in Zhuhai, Guangdong. Scheduled for December 7-13, 2026, the event will also celebrate the 30th anniversary of Airshow China, which was founded in 1996. A commemorative logo featuring a three-dimensional, gold-toned "30" was unveiled, symbolizing the fusion of aviation technology and advanced manufacturing, with gradient ribbons in blue, purple, and magenta.
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, remarked, "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 countdown event featured a World Airshow Dialogue session where industry representatives discussed global industrial-chain coordination, green aviation, the low-altitude economy (advanced air mobility), aircraft engines aftermarket services, and general aviation development. Representatives from the International Aviation and Space Salon (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 Airshow China as 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 in green aviation and the 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.
Additionally, 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. The partnerships 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.
Airshow China's growth over three decades is remarkable: exhibition space expanded from less than 8,000 square meters in 1996 to 450,000 square meters in its latest edition, and the number of participating countries and regions increased from 25 to 47. This expansion cements Airshow China's status as one of the world's most influential aviation and aerospace exhibitions.
