Soaring Through Blue Skies, Powering the Future: 7th China Helicopter Exposition Ushers in a New Era of Low-Altitude Economy

In October 16, 2025, Tianjin is immersed in the rich hues of autumn. With the eager anticipation of Chinese and foreign aviation industry and all walks of life, the 7th China Helicopter Exposition ("CHE" for short) is now receiving its grand opening in the beautiful Airport Economic Zone, Binhai New Area, Tianjin. The CHE is the only international helicopter professional exhibition in China. The exposition is held every two years, and has been successfully held for six sessions since 2011. It focuses on showing the development level of helicopter in the world, promotes the exchange and cooperation in the aviation industry, and also shows the development achievements of Tianjin Binhai New Area.

Tianjin is an open and inclusive city. As one of the earliest open coastal cities in China, it has been leading in the opening-up for along time. It has high-level functional zones such as the national pilot free trade zone, national independent innovation demonstration zone, national development zone, East Port Free Trade Port Zone, and China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city, as well as customs special supervision zones.

Tianjin Port Free Trade Zone focuses on developing leading industries such as high-end equipment manufacturing,food processing and manufacturing,transportation equipment manufacturing (aerospace, railways, and ships), bulk trade, and modern services.

Tianjin Port Free Trade Zone was established in 1991 with the approval of the State Council. It is the second free trade zone in China, the first in northern China, and also the largest in northern China and the second largest in the country. In 2002, the Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government initiated the construction of the Airport Economic Zone; On October15, 2002, the Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government initiated the construction of the Airport Economic Zone, with the Free Trade Zone being responsible for its overall development. After 23 years of construction, the Airport Economic Zone has initially been developed into an international, eco-friendly,vibrant city suitable for both work and living. On December 22, 2017, the Municipal Party Committee decided to merge the Port Economic Zone into the Tianjin Port Free Trade Zone, further diversifying its industrial composition,expanding its development space, improving its regional functions, and turning a new page in the development of the Free Trade Zone. So far, the Free Trade Zone has formed the spatial layout of "Three Zones and Two Ports", namely the three zones of port, airport, and seaport, and it possesses the coastal resources of Tianjin Port and the Binhai International Airport. The Tianjin Port Free Trade Zone serves as a national demonstration zone for marine economic development, a national innovative industrial cluster for marine equipment,an airport-type national logistics hub, a core functional area of an international aviation logistics centre, a national foreign trade transformation and upgrading base (marine equipment), a demonstration zone for ecological civilization construction, and a national demonstration base for new industrialization.

Under the theme of "Openness, Innovation, Integrated Development, and Cultivating New Quality Productive Forces", the 7th CHE further emphasizes internationalization, professionalism, and market orientation. While continuing to focus on the display of the entire helicopter industry chain, it will expand the low-altitude economy industry chain, promote a leap in productive capabilities, and deeply integrate innovative achievements from traditional general aviation and low-altitude economy industries. The total exhibition area is approximately 160,000㎡, including an indoor exhibition area of 25,000㎡with nearly 250 booths across 10 categories, covering fields such as helicopters, eVTOLs, unmanned aerial vehicles, engines, airborne equipment, ground equipment, and supporting services. Based on the previous 20,000㎡helicopter hall, this exposition adds a 5,000㎡low-altitude economy hall, providing a comprehensive display and exchange platform for helicopter, eVTOL, and UAV enterprises. It aims to create a favorable environment for the development of the low-altitude economy, promote technological progress and cooperation in the low-altitude economy industry, and drive the development of the regional low-altitude economy industry. The exposition will focus on showing the latest technologies in the low-altitude economy field both domestically and internationally, highlighting the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region. The outdoor exhibition area includes a 20,000㎡static display area, a 60,000㎡flight viewing area, as well as supporting business exchange areas and catering service areas, etc. During the exposition, various high-level forums, new product launches, project signings, business negotiations, and cultural events will be held.

(Writer/Translator: Ma Jiangpeng; Photo by: Li Junyu)