Shanghai expo attracts global players showcasing latest low-altitude tech

The International Advanced Air Mobility Expo 2026, which runs from July 22 through July 25, has not only showcased China's growing low-altitude economy ecosystem and technological progress, but has also presented new opportunities for industry players from China and abroad, according to industry experts.

With 23 products making their global debut and 42 products making their first appearance in China, the event covers 60,000 square meters and has attracted 452 exhibitors from China and abroad.

"Compared with last year, more industry peers have joined the expo," Xie Ling, founder and CEO of Shanghai Vertaxi Aviation Technology Co Ltd, an air mobility firm, said. "Another difference is more exhibitors have brought aircraft to their booths this year, showing strong enthusiasm for the low-altitude industry."

The company officially debuted its self-developed air ambulance demonstration aircraft M1 Air Ambulance, a manned electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) at the expo. The aircraft, a collaborative exploration of low-altitude medical applications with Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, is set to overcome the limitations of ground-based rescue and establish an efficient aerial emergency medical transport channel.

During the expo, more than 80 professional forums and public engagement activities will be held, with 570 aircraft and models on display, aiming to create a comprehensive industry platform integrating technology displays, ecosystem partnerships, and public education.

Jointly incubated by Sino Jet Group and T-Capital Group, Efly Mobility, a Beijing-based low-altitude transportation brand, was officially unveiled on Wednesday during the expo.

The brand positions itself as a full-service provider for low-altitude mobility. Focusing on safety first, connected networks, ecosystem development, and scenario implementation, it looks to build a standardized, full-chain low-altitude service system.

Whitesky Group, Indonesia's largest helicopter operator, took part in the expo for the first time. Denon Prawiraatmadja, founder and CEO of the company believed that China's advanced technologies and cost-effective products could benefit Indonesia while creating new business opportunities.

Including Whitesky, Chinese and overseas companies signed procurement orders for 260 aircraft with Shanghai-based Volant Aerotech on the first day of the expo, while reaching multiple supply chain cooperation agreements.

"China's low-altitude economy is now entering a critical stage of airworthiness certification and large-scale delivery," Dong Ming, founder and CEO of Shanghai-based Volant Aerotech, said. "We will continue to focus on technological innovation, ecosystem development, and global expansion."

The expo also witnessed the official launch of a Shanghai low-altitude airworthiness technology platform, according to Shanghai Low-Altitude Economy Industry Development Co Ltd, a company jointly owned by six State-owned enterprises in Shanghai.

The event has attracted 452 companies and institutions covering sectors including eVTOL aircraft, UAVs, energy systems, avionics, advanced materials, low-altitude security, financial services, and industrial parks.