With exactly 100 days to go until the opening of the 16th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China 2026), organizers in Zhuhai, Guangdong, launched the official countdown on August 28. The event, scheduled for December 7-13, will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Airshow China, which was founded in 1996.
During the launch ceremony, a commemorative logo was unveiled, featuring a three-dimensional, gold-toned "30" as its central motif. The design incorporates elements of aviation technology and advanced manufacturing, complemented by gradient ribbons in blue, purple, and magenta, symbolizing the event's evolution and forward-looking vision.
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 growth over three decades. "Airshow China has grown increasingly international, professional and market-oriented, establishing itself as one of the world's premier airshows," he said. "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 also featured a World Airshow Dialogue session, where industry representatives from home and abroad discussed topics such as global industrial-chain coordination, green aviation, the low-altitude economy (advanced air mobility), aircraft engines aftermarket services, and the development of the general aviation industry. Notably, representatives from 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.
At a round-table dialogue, Dai Haibin, spokesperson for AVIC General Aircraft Company, praised Airshow China as an excellent platform for debuting key aircraft and equipment, citing the AG600 "Kunlong" amphibious aircraft as a prime example. Xu Shixin, Chief Operating Officer of Embraer China, emphasized the Chinese market's huge potential and well-developed industrial system, which unlock broad opportunities for cooperation in green aviation and the low-altitude economy. Xu also noted Embraer's readiness for deeper collaboration on eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft development and the building of a low-altitude transportation ecosystem.
In a related development, Zhuhai Airshow International Culture Communication Co., Ltd. signed IP merchandise cooperation agreements with partners including Beijing Institute of Technology, Zhuhai; Alipay (Hangzhou) Digital Service Technology Co., Ltd; and Truly HONEST Investment Limited. These collaborations will focus on product development that integrates 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 experienced remarkable expansion, growing 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 also increased 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, anticipation builds for what promises to be a landmark event in the global aviation calendar.
