With 100 days to go until the 16th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China 2026), organizers launched the countdown on August 28 in Zhuhai, Guangdong. The event, scheduled for December 7-13, will mark the 30th anniversary of Airshow China, which began in 1996. At the launch, a commemorative logo was unveiled, featuring a three-dimensional, gold-toned "30" as its visual symbol, incorporating tech-inspired aviation and advanced manufacturing elements, 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, highlighted the show'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 countdown event featured a World Airshow Dialogue session where industry representatives from home and abroad discussed global industrial-chain coordination, green aviation, the low-altitude economy (also known as advanced air mobility), aircraft engines aftermarket services, and general aviation industry development. Representatives from MAKS (International Aviation and Space Salon) and Boeing delivered video remarks, expressing anticipation for participating in Airshow China 2026 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, 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 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.
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 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.
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. The 100-day countdown signals not only a milestone but also the show's continued commitment to global collaboration and innovation in aerospace.
