AERO Asia, a business and general aviation show for China and Southeast Asia, will debut in Zhuhai from Oct 28 to 31 and then alternate years with the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition.

"AERO Asia is a completely new and perfect complement to our aviation show portfolio, a matchmaker that will serve the booming general aviation industries in China and Asia as a whole," says Sun Jiefeng, chairman of Zhuhai Airshow, which runs Airshow China. Both events take place at the Zhuhai Airshow Center in Jinwan District.

Although postponed last November due to the coronavirus pandemic, the biennial Airshow China has seen 12 sessions since 1996 and is now one of the five leading international aerospace trade shows. Distinct from Airshow China, this exhibition will focus on general aviation with flight demonstrations and serve the booming general aviation industry in China and Asia as a whole.

Poster for AERO Asia [Photo courtesy airshow.com.cn]

AERO is held annually in Friedrichshafen, Germany as a general aviation business show with over 40 years of experience. AERO Friedrichshafen, also on hiatus last year due to the pandemic, is scheduled this April 21-24. The organizer states: "Aircraft ranging from non-military drones, gliders, ultralights, and gyrocopters to helicopters and light aircraft with piston engines or propeller turbines through to business jets will be on display. New propulsion systems, state-of-the-art avionics, and services and accessories for pilots are further focal points of the show."

Ludwig Meier, chairman of Messe Friedrichshafen (exhibition grounds next to Friedrichshafen Airport) Shanghai, said: "The location and the infrastructure are perfect for an aviation show and Zhuhai is well-known in the industry. Additionally, it is a perfect hub for Southeast Asia."

AERO head Roland Bosch calls China "the most interesting general aviation market for the future." He also said AERO Asia is a further milestone following AERO South Africa in 2019 and July 8-10 this year at Wonderboom Airport, Pretoria.

The Zhuhai event is strongly supported by the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA), whose chief operating officer, Jeff Chiang, says it offers their 139 members new and exciting business opportunities.

AERO Asia's website (www.aero-asia.com) will be available by the end of this month with detailed information on the exhibition, application procedures, and Zhuhai.