The 2026 International Advanced Air Mobility Expo will take place from July 22 to 25 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai).

China's low-altitude economy has seen significant developments this year, with the sector included in the nation's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) for National Economic and Social Development. A revised Civil Aviation Law took effect on July 1, and the Civil Aviation Administration of China established a dedicated low-altitude safety department, accelerating the sector's regulatory and standardization efforts.

Covering 60,000 square meters, the expo will bring together more than 400 Chinese and international enterprises, along with over 80 industry forums and public engagement activities.

Centered on showcasing the entire industry chain, promoting industrial collaboration across the Yangtze River Delta, and providing public science experiences, the expo will serve as an international platform for technology exchanges, industry matchmaking, and public science education.

Exhibitors will display China's comprehensive industrial ecosystem and technological strengths across the low-altitude value chain, including aircraft manufacturing, core components, infrastructure, safety systems, and specialized industry services.

The expo will bring together a diverse mix of State-owned enterprises, foreign joint ventures, listed companies, and leading startups, showcasing the sector's vibrant innovation landscape.

Companies such as Volant and AutoFlight will make global debuts of multiple eVTOL aircraft, while DJI and Meituan Drones will showcase real-world applications in inspection, logistics, security, and rescue.

The event will also cover key supporting sectors, with hydrogen energy and power battery companies unveiling new power solutions for low-altitude flight, and carbon-fiber lightweight materials and 3D-printing companies addressing gaps in equipment manufacturing materials.

A significant focus will be placed on low-altitude safety and operational assurance systems, featuring digital communication infrastructure, precise airspace management using Chinese satellite navigation technology, and anti-drone equipment.

Leveraging Shanghai's status as an international hub and the Yangtze River Delta's robust industrial cluster, the expo aims to foster a multi-tiered ecosystem for the high-quality development of the low-altitude economy.

Beyond industrial displays, the event will offer public engagement through presentations of future urban air mobility scenarios featuring eVTOL aircraft and last-mile delivery solutions.

A drone performance will captivate audiences with nearly 100 industry-grade aircraft and 1,000 drones flying in formation, showcasing diverse applications such as emergency response, aerial firefighting, and intercity transport, alongside cultural and technological light shows.

Source: Shanghai Observer