Establishing a local presence has long been a vital strategy in Messe Frankfurt’s global expansion, allowing for better organisation with exhibitors, government bodies, and stakeholders. The new office in Zhuhai is no exception, set to improve not only logistics but also regional partnerships and on-ground support for AERO Asia, leading up to the show’s second edition in November 2025.
Speaking ahead of the office’s opening ceremony on 28 May, Mr Wolfgang Marzin, President and CEO of Messe Frankfurt GmbH, was eager to stress the long-term nature of this new development: “Zhuhai is a hotspot for aviation manufacturing and trade, and is well connected as part of South China’s Greater Bay Area. Establishing a JV office in the city is a crucial step for Messe Frankfurt to strengthen local ties in the GA industry and low-altitude economy; ahead of the upcoming show, and for many years to come. This new JV demonstrates our Group’s commitment to the sector, and together with Zhuhai Airshow Group, will be the launchpad for us to grow the AERO brand in Asia.”
AERO Asia is positioned for global industry players to expand their business in the Chinese and Asian markets, and as a local liaison Messe Frankfurt (Zhuhai) Airshow Co Ltd will provide better operational support for exhibitors, in terms of venue coordination, onsite services, pre-show promotion, and rapid feedback on domestic markets. The office will marry Messe Frankfurt’s international expertise, as organisers of over 80 annual trade fairs across Asia, with Zhuhai Airshow Group Co Ltd’s regional influence, as organisers of the country’s leading aviation exhibition Airshow China.
Merging these strengths is a prospect which excites Mr Sun Jiefeng, Chairman and General Manager of Zhuhai Airshow Group Co Ltd, who stated: “This opening ceremony marks the start of a new organisation that brings two significant and effective entities together. The first edition of AERO Asia in 2023 was a great success. Now, with the help of increased operational power and an expanded international network, we look forward to the 2025 edition reaching new heights to become a platform that will drive fresh business and fuel market expansion in China and across Asia.”
The debut show featured 268 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions, 92 aircraft with 32 fly-ins, and welcomed over 68,000 visitors. Held across 40,000 sqm, AERO Asia 2025 will present the theme “A New Era: Explore More”, focusing on emerging topics such as autonomy, intelligence, and low-carbon solutions. The exhibition will feature five key areas, including business jet / UL / VLA / LSA; rotorcraft (helicopter & VCA); drones / intelligent application scenarios; engine / green aviation energy; and infrastructure / service / MRO / supply & components. Boosted by Messe Frankfurt’s extensive global sales network, and with the market showing high potential, the show anticipates a significant 30% surge in international exhibitor participation, and will include the European, Canada and Korea Pavilions.
To develop the show into APAC’s premier aerospace platform, Messe Frankfurt (Zhuhai) Airshow Co Ltd aims to leverage China’s strong GA market and rapidly advancing low-altitude economy. Looking ahead, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) expects the country’s low-altitude economy to increase more than five-fold to reach RMB 3.5 trillion (USD 483 billion) by 2035[1], with the sector’s vast potential drawing interest from industry players all over the world.
For more information, please visit www.messefrankfurt.com.hk
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[1] ‘China’s Low-Altitude Economy: A Rapidly Developing Sector to Watch’, April 2025, APCO, retrieved May 2025, https://apcoworldwide.com/blog/chinas-low-altitude-economy-a-rapidly-developing-sector-to-watch/#:~:text=Looking%20ahead%2C%20the%20Civil%20Aviation,USD%20483%20billion)%20by%202035.
Your contact:
Angel Ho
Tel. +852 2238 9924
angel.ho@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com
Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd
35/F, China Resources Building
26 Harbour Road, Wanchai
Hong Kong
www.messefrankfurt.com.hk
Background information on Messe Frankfurt
The Messe Frankfurt Group is the world’s largest trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. With a workforce of some 2,500* people at its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main and in 28 subsidiaries, it organises events around the world. Group sales in financial year 2024 were around € 780* million. We serve our customers’ business interests efficiently within the framework of our Fairs & Events, Locations and Services business fields. One of Messe Frankfurt’s key strengths is its powerful and closely knit global sales network, which covers around 180 countries in all regions of the world. Our comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online – ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. We are using our digital expertise to develop new business models. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services.
Sustainability is a central pillar of our corporate strategy. Here, we strike a healthy balance between ecological and economic interests, social responsibility and diversity.
For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com/sustainability
With its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main, the company is owned by the City of Frankfurt (60 percent) and the State of Hesse (40 percent).
For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com
*Preliminary figures 2024
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