2026 Low-Altitude Economy Expo Opens in Shanghai
SHANGHAI — The 2026 International Low-Altitude Economy Expo opened on July 22 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, showcasing more than 570 aircraft including electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxis and drones, as China accelerates its push to commercialize the low-altitude aviation sector. The four-day event, running through July 25, features 452 exhibitors from China and abroad across 60,000 square meters of exhibition space, according to Xinhua News Agency.
A Strategic Industry Takes Flight
The expo, themed “Harnessing New Low-Altitude Momentum, Ushering a New Economic Chapter,” represents a major milestone in China’s low-altitude economy strategy. The sector was first designated as a strategic emerging industry by the Central Economic Work Conference in December 2023, and the 2024 Government Work Report further emphasized building it as a new growth engine. This year’s expo demonstrates how rapidly the industry has matured since those policy milestones.
According to China News Network, the exhibition features 51 eVTOL units (including models), 18 general aviation aircraft, and 501 drones. A total of 65 products and technologies are making their debut — 23 global premieres and 42 domestic premieres — underscoring the pace of innovation in China’s low-altitude manufacturing ecosystem.
Full Supply Chain on Display
The expo covers the entire low-altitude economy value chain, from complete aircraft manufacturing to core components, infrastructure safety, and industrial services. Exhibitors include state-owned enterprises such as China Ordnance Industry Group and AVIC, alongside foreign firms like Siemens and Dassault Systèmes, as well as leading Chinese startups including AutoFlight, TCab Tech, and Aerofugia.
One of the standout debuts was the WorthyAero R1, a single-seat ultralight amphibious aircraft unveiled by Worthy Aero. The R1 has an empty weight of just 115 kilograms, a payload capacity of 85 kilograms, and a maximum speed of 100 kilometers per hour, making it suitable for personal flight, aviation sports, and emergency rescue scenarios.
“The key for low-altitude flight to truly enter the market is not just making aircraft fly, but also making safety, experience, and productization truly land in scenarios that users can perceive,” Zhang Xin, founder and CEO of Worthy Aero, told China News Network.
International Engagement and APEC Collaboration
On the opening day, the APEC Sustainable Technology Innovation Strategy Development Seminar was held concurrently, bringing together experts from more than 10 APEC economies including the United States, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia. Academician Xiang Jinwu of the Chinese Academy of Engineering delivered a keynote address and issued the Asia-Pacific Low-Altitude Economy Collaborative Development Action Initiative, calling on regional stakeholders to share technology, co-develop standards, and jointly expand markets.
Xiang Jinwu noted that “the foundation of the low-altitude equipment industry, supply chain, and application ecosystem will gradually improve, further integrating into all areas of production and life, thereby forming a complete ecological system from equipment manufacturing to scenario application, deeply reshaping urban and industrial development patterns,” as reported by People’s Daily Online.
Forums, Competitions, and Public Engagement
The expo features over 80 high-level forums and public interactive events throughout its duration. On opening day alone, 13 professional forums and 18 enterprise roadshows were held, covering topics from industrial policy and commercial deployment to safety compliance and financial capital. Tencent News reported that subsequent days will host forums on regional collaboration in the Yangtze River Delta, eVTOL design and core components, low-altitude security, and international investment.
Public engagement is a key focus, with drone flight competitions, simulated flight experiences, and a youth innovation showcase drawing crowds. A dedicated job fair also connected industry talent with employers across the supply chain.
Implications for China’s Low-Altitude Economy
The scale and scope of this year’s expo signal that China’s low-altitude economy is transitioning from concept validation to practical implementation. With full supply chain coverage, strong international participation, and a clear policy framework, the sector is positioning itself as a significant contributor to China’s economic growth. The expo runs through July 25, with additional product launches, competitions, and networking events scheduled throughout the remaining days.
As the industry moves toward broader commercial deployment, observers will be watching for regulatory approvals for eVTOL operations, safety certification timelines, and the development of the infrastructure needed to support widespread urban air mobility in Chinese cities.