AERO Asia 2025 Takes Flight, The Low-Altitude Economy Takes Center Stage

We are witnessing a pivotal moment in the global general aviation sector as AERO Asia 2025 officially opens its doors today, November 27, 2025, at the Zhuhai International Airshow Center. Organized through a strategic joint venture between Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and Zhuhai Airshow Group Co Ltd, this event has rapidly evolved into a premier platform for the industry. The show’s second edition has nearly doubled in scale compared to its 2023 debut, a clear indicator of the surging interest and investment in Asian aviation markets.

The event, running through November 30, hosts over 380 exhibitors from 22 countries and regions, occupying a sprawling 60,000 square meters of exhibition space. With more than 170 dynamic and static aircraft on display, the show serves as a critical bridge connecting global general aviation (GA) enterprises with the burgeoning demands of the Chinese market. We see this expansion not merely as a trade show statistic, but as a reflection of a broader economic shift toward sustainable and urban air mobility solutions.

At the heart of this year’s exhibition is the concept of the “Low-Altitude Economy,” a sector that has recently been prioritized by China’s central government. By focusing on flight activities below 3,000 meters, encompassing drones, eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft), and helicopters, AERO Asia 2025 is positioning itself as the operational hub for this “strategic emerging industry.”

The Economic Engine: Policy and Projections

The driving force behind the rapid expansion of AERO Asia is the strategic push for the Low-Altitude Economy within the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and across China. The sector has been designated a priority in China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), signaling long-term governmental support for infrastructure and regulatory development. This policy framework provides the stability required for international and domestic companies to invest heavily in research and development.

Market projections underscore the significance of this sector. Data from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) suggests that the low-altitude market is on track to reach approximately 1.5 trillion yuan (roughly $210 billion USD) by the end of 2025. Looking further ahead, forecasts predict the market could swell to 3.5 trillion yuan by 2035. These figures illustrate why Zhuhai, already famous for its massive military and commercial airshows, is aggressively cultivating an image as the center for General Aviation and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).

We observe that this economic potential is attracting a diverse range of participants, from established state-owned enterprises to agile, high-growth startups. The convergence of policy support and market demand has created a fertile environment for innovation, particularly in the realm of electric and hybrid propulsion systems.

“The show’s expanded second edition is testament to the vast potential of general aviation in Asia-Pacific and China’s world-leading ‘low-altitude economy’… We fully expect AERO Asia to go from strength to strength.”, Ms. Wendy Wen, Managing Director, Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd.

Technological Frontiers: eVTOLs and Hybrid Systems

The exhibition floor this year is dominated by advancements in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), with several companies using AERO Asia 2025 as a launchpad for new technologies. A standout example is the Zero Gravity Aircraft Industry (Zero-G), which is debuting the ZG-T6. This 6-seater tilt-rotor eVTOL is designed specifically for future air taxi services, representing the third tier of Zero-G’s strategy, which also includes electric trainer aircraft and tourism-focused eVTOLs.

Addressing the critical industry challenge of “range anxiety,” Shangshi Aerospace has unveiled significant power innovations, including the TP800 Turbine Propeller Power System and the GTG800, a 600kW-class turbogenerator. These systems are vital for the development of hybrid-electric aircraft, offering a bridge between traditional combustion engines and fully electric solutions. By extending the operational range of aircraft, these technologies make regional air mobility a more practical reality in the near term.

Commercialization is also a major theme, with Volant Aerotech conducting signing ceremonies for its VE25-100 passenger eVTOL. Having secured significant orders, Volant is positioning itself as a frontrunner in the race to bring air taxis to market. Additionally, Chenxiang Aerospace is highlighting the integration of ground and air systems with the launch of the CXBOX25-1, a next-generation vehicle-mounted drone, showcasing the versatility of unmanned systems in logistics and surveillance.

Global Collaboration and Industry Standards

Beyond the hardware, AERO Asia 2025 emphasizes the importance of international dialogue and safety standards. The event features a robust fringe program, including the “Future of Advanced Air Mobility” forum. Here, industry leaders from SkyDrive (Japan), Volocopter (Germany), and Eve Air Mobility (Brazil) are gathering to discuss the regulatory ecosystems necessary to support AAM across the Asia-Pacific region. We believe these discussions are crucial for harmonizing regulations and ensuring cross-border operability.

Safety remains a paramount concern as the skies become busier. The GABA Safety International Symposium, organized by the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA), is addressing safety standards specifically for the low-altitude sector. Furthermore, the Sustainable Aviation Forum is exploring the commercial potential of green aviation technologies, aligning with global decarbonization goals.

The event also offers spectacle alongside business, with aerobatic displays serving to demonstrate the capabilities of modern aircraft. The South African AERO Aerobatic Team, led by champion pilot Mark Hensman, is performing in Zhuhai for the first time. They are joined by the Chinese Red Star Aerobatic Team, notable for being the first civilian team to utilize the domestically manufactured CJ-6 aircraft, symbolizing the maturity of China’s indigenous aviation manufacturing.

Concluding Section

As AERO Asia 2025 continues through the week, it is clear that the event has established itself as a cornerstone for the Asian general aviation market. The doubling of exhibitors and the high profile of the technologies on display reflect a sector that is moving rapidly from concept to commercial reality. The strong focus on the Low-Altitude Economy aligns perfectly with regional economic strategies, promising substantial growth over the next decade.

We anticipate that the innovations and partnerships forged in Zhuhai this week will have lasting ripples throughout the industry. As regulatory frameworks mature and technology advances, the vision of a bustling, sustainable low-altitude economy appears increasingly within reach, with AERO Asia serving as a vital catalyst for this transformation.

FAQ

Question: When and where is AERO Asia 2025 taking place?
Answer: The event is currently active, running from November 27 to November 30, 2025, at the Zhuhai International Airshow Center in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, China.

Question: What is the “Low-Altitude Economy”?
Answer: The Low-Altitude Economy refers to an economic zone defined by flight activities below 3,000 meters. This includes the operation of civil drones, eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft), and helicopters for logistics, transport, and tourism.

Question: How large is the AERO Asia 2025 event?
Answer: The 2025 edition has nearly doubled in size since 2023, featuring over 380 exhibitors from 22 countries and regions, covering 60,000 square meters, and displaying over 170 aircraft.

Sources

• AERO Asia 2025 Press Release

Emirates SkyCargo and LODD Autonomous: A New Era for Middle-Mile Logistics

The logistics landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as major industry players look toward Automation to solve age-old efficiency problems. In a move that signals a shift in how air freight handles regional distribution, Emirates SkyCargo has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with LODD Autonomous, an Abu Dhabi-based developer of autonomous aerial vehicles. We view this collaboration not merely as a technological experiment, but as a strategic step toward redefining the “middle-mile” sector, the critical link between major transport hubs and local distribution centers.

Signed at the Dubai Airshow in November 2025, this agreement outlines a roadmap for developing and deploying autonomous cargo drone solutions across the Emirates network. The Partnerships focuses on the “Hili,” a heavy-lift hybrid Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Drones. We understand that the primary objective is to conduct feasibility studies and live demonstrations, validating the technology for potential integration into daily operations. This initiative aligns closely with the UAE’s “Operation 300bn” industrial strategy, which aims to foster indigenous technological advancement and industrial capacity.

For the logistics industry, the implications of this partnership extend beyond simple innovation. It represents a concerted effort to bypass traditional infrastructure bottlenecks. By leveraging autonomous aerial technology, Emirates SkyCargo aims to connect its dual-airport hubs, Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC), with a speed and efficiency that ground transportation simply cannot match. We see this as a direct response to the growing need for faster, more reliable transfer times in an increasingly congested global supply chain.

Solving the Middle-Mile Conundrum

The “middle-mile” has long been a pain point in logistics, often characterized by inefficiencies and delays caused by road congestion. Currently, cargo moving between Emirates’ key hubs or regional warehouses relies heavily on trucking corridors. These routes are subject to traffic variability, resulting in transfer times that can exceed four hours when processing is included. We recognize that the introduction of the LODD “Hili” drone is designed to circumvent these ground-level obstacles entirely, creating an “air bridge” that ensures consistent and rapid transit.

The strategic goal of this partnership is to validate the use of heavy-lift drones for these specific routes. Unlike last-mile delivery, which focuses on small parcels reaching the end consumer, middle-mile logistics involves moving bulkier, consolidated cargo between facilities. The Hili drone is engineered to handle this requirement, offering a warehouse-to-warehouse solution that is significantly faster than trucking but more cost-effective than traditional cargo aircraft or helicopters. We believe this capability could be particularly transformative for high-value, time-sensitive goods such as pharmaceuticals and critical spare parts.

Furthermore, the collaboration is set to run through 2027, with live trials expected to commence in the near term. This timeline suggests a cautious but committed approach to integration. By partnering with a local Startups backed by the UAE’s Advanced Technology Research Council, Emirates SkyCargo is able to test these frontier technologies without bearing the full weight of development costs alone. It is a symbiotic relationship where the established carrier provides the operational playground, and the tech startup provides the innovation.

“Time is the enemy in logistics… Our collaboration with Emirates SkyCargo blends LODD’s frontier technologies with the country’s enduring commitment to safe, scalable, and sustainable logistics.” — Rashid Al Manai, CEO of LODD Autonomous.

Technical Capabilities of the Hili Drone

To understand the potential impact of this partnership, we must look at the hardware itself. The LODD “Hili” is distinguished as the UAE’s first indigenous heavy-lift cargo drone. It utilizes a hybrid-electric propulsion system, employing electric motors for vertical lift and an internal combustion engine for forward cruise. This hybrid approach allows for a range of up to 700 km (435 miles), which is sufficient to cover all inter-emirate routes and even regional connections across the Gulf. We note that this range capability offers a distinct advantage over pure electric alternatives that may struggle with longer distances due to battery weight constraints.

In terms of payload, the Hili is capable of carrying 250 kg (550 lbs), which is roughly equivalent to two Euro pallets. This specification places it firmly in the B2B logistics category, separating it from smaller consumer delivery drones. The drone operates fully autonomously, capable of gate-to-gate operation without a remote pilot for every flight segment. Crucially, its VTOL capability means it does not require a runway. It can land at warehouses, logistics hubs, or unprepared sites, drastically reducing the infrastructure investment required to expand the network.

When placed in the context of the global market, the Hili holds its own against international competitors. For instance, while Dronamics’ “Black Swan” offers a higher payload, it requires a 400-meter runway, limiting its operational flexibility. Similarly, the US-based Elroy Air offers a comparable VTOL solution but with a shorter range of 500 km. We observe that the Hili’s combination of range, payload, and infrastructure independence positions it as a highly competitive solution for the specific geographic and logistical challenges of the region.

Regulatory Framework and Future Outlook

The success of autonomous aviation relies heavily on the regulatory environment, and this partnership benefits significantly from the UAE’s proactive stance. The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has introduced new “U-space” Regulations, effective as of January 2025. These regulations create a designated airspace and a structured framework for commercial drone operations, including mandatory “Green Zones” for flight. We understand that LODD is actively navigating these certification processes, ensuring that the technology is not just capable, but also compliant and safe for civilian airspace.

Looking ahead, the successful deployment of this technology could trigger a broader shift in the industry. If the “middle-mile” drone model proves viable, we may see a reduction in the reliance on light trucking for specific cargo categories. This transition would not only improve speed but also contribute to Sustainability goals by reducing carbon emissions associated with road traffic. The hybrid propulsion of the Hili drone offers a cleaner alternative to diesel trucks, aligning with global environmental targets.

Ultimately, this MoU serves as a proof-of-concept for the “Make it in the Emirates” campaign, showcasing the region’s high-tech industrial capabilities. For Emirates SkyCargo, it is a low-risk entry into the future of aviation. For the industry at large, it is a test case for the scalability of autonomous heavy-lift logistics. We will be watching closely as the feasibility studies progress, as the results will likely influence logistics strategies far beyond the borders of the UAE.

Concluding Section

The partnership between Emirates SkyCargo and LODD Autonomous represents a calculated step toward a more automated and efficient logistics future. By targeting the specific inefficiencies of the middle-mile sector with specialized hybrid VTOL technology, both entities are addressing a real-world problem with a tangible solution. The combination of the Hili drone’s technical specifications and the UAE’s supportive regulatory framework creates a fertile ground for innovation.

As we move toward 2027, the outcomes of these trials will likely set precedents for how autonomous cargo vehicles are integrated into existing supply chains globally. If successful, this initiative could redefine the speed and flexibility of air freight, proving that the future of logistics lies not just in bigger planes, but in smarter, autonomous connections.

FAQ

Question: What is the primary goal of the partnership between Emirates SkyCargo and LODD Autonomous?
Answer: The partnership aims to develop and deploy autonomous cargo drone solutions, specifically focusing on “middle-mile” logistics to connect airports and warehouses, thereby bypassing road congestion and improving transfer times.

Question: What are the key specifications of the LODD “Hili” drone?
Answer: The Hili is a hybrid VTOL drone capable of carrying a payload of 250 kg (550 lbs) with a range of up to 700 km (435 miles). It operates fully autonomously and does not require a runway for takeoff or landing.

Question: How does the Hili drone compare to traditional transport methods?
Answer: The drone offers a “warehouse-to-warehouse” air bridge that is faster than trucking due to the avoidance of traffic, yet significantly cheaper to operate than traditional cargo planes or helicopters.

Sources: Emirates SkyCargo

Five Years of Progress: ANSI Releases Final Report on Drones Standardization

On November 24, 2025, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) released the “Final Gaps Progress Report” through its Unmanned Aircraft Systems Standardization Collaborative (UASSC). This publication marks the conclusion of a significant five-year cycle dedicated to integrating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, into the United States National Airspace System (NAS). The report serves as a capstone to the efforts initiated with the release of the Standardization Roadmap for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Version 2.0 in June 2020.

The integration of drones into civil and commercial airspace has long been hindered by a lack of unified technical standards. Without agreed-upon benchmarks for safety, design, and operations, regulators like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) face difficulties in certifying new technologies for widespread use. This new report documents the industry’s response to these challenges, detailing how standards developing organizations (SDOs) have worked to close critical “gaps” identified five years ago.

We view this release not just as a procedural update, but as a critical milestone for the aviation industry. It represents the collective output of over 400 individuals from 250 distinct organizations, including government bodies like the FAA and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as well as industry leaders and academic institutions. The collaborative effort underscores the complexity and necessity of establishing a safety-first framework for the future of flight.

Closing the Gaps: Key Achievements

The core metric of success in this report is the resolution of “gaps,” specific areas where no standard previously existed to guide manufacturers or operators. The 2020 Roadmap originally identified 71 such gaps. According to the final report, the collaborative has successfully tracked and facilitated the closure or partial closure of 20 priority gaps. These achievements cover a wide spectrum of operations, from airworthiness and flight rules to personnel training and safety-critical systems.

Specific technical advancements highlighted in the reporting period include the development of standards for fuel cell power systems and autonomous capabilities. For instance, the publication of ASTM F3547 in early 2024 addressed the need for safe hydrogen and fuel cell power sources, a technology essential for extending the flight times of commercial drones. Similarly, SAE AS8024 was developed to provide a standardized method for unmanned systems to communicate autonomous behaviors, reducing the cognitive workload on remote pilots.

Another critical area of progress involves “Detect and Avoid” (DAA) technology. The industry has seen the update of standards such as RTCA DO-365B, which outlines the minimum operational performance standards for DAA systems. This specific technology is a prerequisite for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, which are necessary for scalable drone delivery and long-range infrastructure inspection.

“The report is the culmination of a multi-year effort documenting critical standardization advances that support the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the national airspace system.”

Implications for the Future of Flight

The completion of the Version 2.0 Roadmap cycle signals a shift in the industry’s focus. By addressing these foundational gaps, the industry clears the way for more advanced regulatory frameworks. When standards for battery safety or flight operations are formalized, it becomes significantly more feasible for regulators to approve complex missions, such as urban air mobility (UAM) or heavy cargo transport.

However, the work is not entirely finished. While 20 priority gaps have been addressed, the rapid pace of technological innovation creates new challenges. The UASSC has indicated expectations to renew efforts, likely pointing toward a future Roadmap Version 3.0. We anticipate that future collaborations will need to address emerging technologies that were less mature in 2020, such as the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in flight control systems and the design of advanced vertiports for air taxis.

The collaborative model demonstrated by ANSI proves that a consensus-based approach is viable for high-stakes technology sectors. By bringing together competitors, regulators, and researchers, the UASSC has created a baseline of safety that supports commercial growth while prioritizing the public interest.

Conclusion

The release of the Final Gaps Progress Report by ANSI is a testament to the diligent, behind-the-scenes work required to modernize national infrastructure. By closing 20 priority gaps over the last five years, the UASSC has laid a firmer foundation for the commercial drone industry. These standards provide the technical assurance necessary for regulators to open the skies further to unmanned aviation.

As we look toward the next phase of development, the focus will likely shift to higher levels of autonomy and the integration of AI. The progress made between 2020 and 2025 serves as a blueprint for how the industry can tackle these future challenges, through rigorous collaboration and a commitment to safety standards.

FAQ

Question: What is the ANSI UASSC?
Answer: The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Standardization Collaborative (UASSC) is a group organized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to coordinate the development of standards for the drone industry.

Question: What is a “gap” in standardization?
Answer: A “gap” refers to a specific area in technology or operations where no accepted standard exists, making it difficult to regulate or certify safety. For example, a lack of standard testing for drone batteries would be considered a gap.

Question: How many gaps were addressed in this report?
Answer: The report highlights that 20 priority gaps were successfully addressed or partially closed out of the original 71 identified in the 2020 Roadmap.

Sources

• ANSI