Airshow China 2026 has officially entered its 100-day countdown, a milestone announced on August 28 in Zhuhai, Guangdong. The 16th edition of the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition — held biennially in Zhuhai, the only city to host the event since its founding — is scheduled for December 7–13, and this year's event carries special significance: it marks the 30th anniversary of the airshow, which was founded in 1996.

At the countdown launch event, organizers unveiled a commemorative logo centered on a three-dimensional, gold-toned "30." The design incorporates tech-inspired aviation and advanced manufacturing motifs, complemented by gradient ribbons in blue, purple, and magenta, symbolizing the event's evolution and forward-looking spirit.

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 airshow's transformation over three decades. "Airshow China has grown increasingly international, professional, and market-oriented, establishing itself as one of the world's premier airshows," Li said. "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 also featured a World Airshow Dialogue session, where domestic and international aviation industry representatives discussed global industrial-chain coordination, green aviation, the low-altitude economy (also known as advanced air mobility), aircraft engine aftermarket services, and general aviation industry development. The emphasis on the low-altitude economy reflects its growing policy prominence in China, where the sector spans drones, eVTOL aircraft, and urban air mobility services. Peer event organizers, including the International Aviation and Space Salon (MAKS), and major players such as 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 discussion, Dai Haibin, spokesperson for AVIC General Aircraft Company, noted that Airshow China has served as an excellent platform for debuting key aircraft and other equipment, among them the AG600 "Kunlong" amphibious aircraft, a large firefighting and rescue amphibian developed by AVIC. 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. Embraer, he added, is ready for deeper collaboration on eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft development and the building of a low-altitude transportation ecosystem.

On the sidelines, 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 partnerships will focus on 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, growing from less than 8,000 square meters at its 1996 debut to 450,000 square meters at its latest edition. The number of participating countries and regions has risen from 25 to 47, cementing Airshow China's status alongside events such as the Paris Air Show, Farnborough International Airshow, and Dubai Airshow as one of the world's most influential aviation and aerospace exhibitions. How the 30th-anniversary edition further develops its program of debuts, industry dialogues, and low-altitude economy showcases will be visible when the show opens in December.

Source: citybuzz