AERO Asia 2025 Highlights Growth in Low-Altitude Economy and Aviation Tech

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