Airshow China 2026 has officially entered its final 100-day countdown, with the milestone celebrated on August 28 in Zhuhai, Guangdong. The 16th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition is scheduled for December 7-13, 2026, and will also mark the 30th anniversary of the event, which was founded in 1996. A commemorative logo was unveiled at the countdown ceremony, featuring a three-dimensional, gold-toned “30” with tech-inspired aviation and advanced manufacturing elements, complemented by gradient ribbons in blue, purple, and magenta. The logo symbolizes three decades of growth and innovation in the aviation and aerospace industries.
During the event, 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, highlighted 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,” Li said. He emphasized that 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 from around the globe discussed critical topics such as global industrial-chain coordination, green aviation, the low-altitude economy (also known as advanced air mobility), aircraft engines aftermarket services, and the development of the general aviation industry. Representatives from the International Aviation and Space Salon (MAKS) and major players like 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, noted that Airshow China has served as an excellent platform for debuting key aircraft and equipment, including the AG600 “Kunlong” amphibious aircraft. Xu Shixin, Chief Operating Officer of Embraer China, observed that the Chinese market boasts huge potential and a well-developed industrial system, unlocking broad opportunities for cooperation in areas such as green aviation and the low-altitude economy. Drawing on its accumulated technological expertise, Embraer is ready for deeper collaboration on eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft development and the building of a low-altitude transportation ecosystem.
At the event, Zhuhai Airshow International Culture Communication Co., Ltd. signed IP merchandise cooperation agreements with several 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. These partnerships underscore the event's expanding influence beyond aviation into technology and culture.
Over its 30-year history, Airshow China has undergone remarkable expansion. From less than 8,000 square meters at its debut in 1996, the exhibition space has grown to 450,000 square meters at its latest edition. The number of participating countries and regions has jumped from 25 to 47, cementing Airshow China's status as one of the world's most influential aviation and aerospace exhibitions. This growth reflects the event's importance in fostering global collaboration and showcasing cutting-edge advancements, with implications for the aviation industry and the broader economy.
