China’s aviation sector continues to soar

The aviation market is one of the strongest growing industries for international businesses in China. Industry forecasts indicate that China’s aviation sector is set for extraordinary long-term growth, with more than 9,000 new commercial aircraft expected to enter service over the next 25 years. MRO Greater China 2026, held in Beijing last week, demonstrated the remarkable momentum behind China’s rapidly expanding aviation industry. Bringing together the worlds biggest airlines, manufacturers, suppliers, maintenance providers and aviation innovators from around the world, the event attracted more than 8,000 visitors. 

The first of its kind, of course the Benelux Chamber could not miss this exciting exhibition. We met with industry leaders and connected with the companies from our region that are becoming increasingly active in the Chinese aerospace ecosystem, for example Belgian industrial company John Cockerill, who reported  a highly successful participation at the exhibition with many leads for further cooperation. 

Among the biggest sponsors of the event was AkzoNobel from the Netherlands, one of the world’s leading paints and coatings companies and a major supplier to the aerospace sector. The company highlighted its strong commitment to the Chinese market and unveiled exciting new “drone inspection” technologies. We spoke to an executive at AkzoNobel, who noted that they expect double-digit growth in China over the coming years, driven by the country’s expanding fleet and increasing demand for high-performance aerospace coatings and maintenance solutions.

The exhibition provided an excellent platform for dialogue, partnership building and showcasing innovative European technologies and expertise to the Chinese market, while also presenting the incredible opportunities of investing in China or partnering with rapidly advancing Chinese aerospace firms. The strong turnout, high-level participation and positive commercial outcomes highlighted the continued importance of China in the global aerospace industry. For companies from the Benelux and beyond, MRO Greater China offered valuable insight into a market that continues to expand at an exceptional pace.

As China prepares for the next phase of aviation growth, events such as MRO Greater China will remain essential meeting points for international collaboration, innovation and business development across the aerospace value chain.