Airshow China 2026 has officially entered its 100-day countdown, with the launch ceremony held on August 28 in Zhuhai, Guangdong. The 16th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition is scheduled for December 7-13, 2026, and will also commemorate the 30th anniversary of the event's founding in 1996. During the ceremony, a commemorative logo was unveiled, featuring a three-dimensional, gold-toned "30" as its visual centerpiece, integrated with tech-inspired aviation and advanced manufacturing elements, and complemented by 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, 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 delved into 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 peer event organizer International Aviation and Space Salon (MAKS) and major aviation players including Boeing delivered video remarks, expressing anticipation for returning to the upcoming Airshow China with state-of-the-art products and services to foster deeper industrial exchanges.
In a subsequent round-table dialogue, Dai Haibin, spokesperson for AVIC General Aircraft Company, highlighted that Airshow China has served as an excellent platform for debuting key aircraft and other equipment, among them 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 stands ready for deeper collaboration on eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft development and the building of a low-altitude transportation ecosystem.
Additionally, 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 other partners. The cooperation covers 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 undergone remarkable expansion: 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 jumped 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 is set to showcase cutting-edge advancements and foster global collaboration in the aviation and aerospace sectors.
