September in Changchun brings crisp autumn air and a sapphire-blue sky, pierced by the thunderous roar of soaring aircraft of every description. From September 19 to 23, the 2025 Changchun Air Show is held at the Changchun International Aviation Expo City, drawing massive crowds as the Spring City in Northern China came alive with excitement once again.

From carrying forward the legacy of the Northeast Democratic United Army Aviation School to achieving breakthroughs with the "Jilin-1" satellite constellation; from pioneering exploration in low-altitude domains to reshaping the city through aviation-infused cultural tourism, Changchun not only witnesses the glorious course of China's aviation industry but is also seizing strategic opportunities to systematically plan and develop its aerospace industry. Using the air show as a platform, the city is fostering industrial ecosystems, promoting aviation culture, and encouraging public engagement, burnishing its credentials as the "Aviation City."

Continuously Cultivating Aviation Talent

More than 100 types of aircraft, ground equipment, and retired classic equipment are on display, alongside the debut of multiple cutting-edge aero-engines and their components. Over 200 exhibitors, including AVIC, AECC, and Chang Guang Satellite, showcase their achievements. The exhibition floor dazzles with cutting-edge aviation equipment, while the spectacular flight performances captivate the audience.

Changchun serves as the cradle of China's aviation talent, with the Aviation University of Air Force located at its city center. The university traces its roots to the Northeast Democratic United Army Aviation School, the first aviation school established by the Communist Party of China in 1946, widely known as the "Old Northeast Aviation School". It has trained a large number of aviation professionals and cultivated aerospace heroes such as Yang Liwei and Zhai Zhigang. All of this highlights Changchun's deep connection to China's aviation industry.

As the years go by, the blue skies stand as silent witnesses. Today, Changchun is firmly targeting new opportunities in the aerospace industry and advancing boldly toward the skies.

Chang Guang Satellite has built the "Jilin-1" constellation of 117 in-orbit satellites, making its sub-meter commercial remote sensing constellation an industry leader. Changguang Boxiang's pioneering tandem flying-wing vertical takeoff and landing UAV is expected to generate a direct output value of RMB 300 to 500 million in the near future. The electro-optical pods developed by Changchun All View can be flexibly adapted to various mainstream Chinese aircraft. Research institutions such as the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics and the Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have cultivated generations of talent for the aviation industry...

Technological innovation is bearing fruit, and emerging industries are gaining momentum. In recent years, Changchun has advanced the construction of projects including the Changchun International Aviation Expo City, Aerospace Information Industrial Park, and Intelligent Optics Valley Industrial Park. Under the Three-Year Action Plan for Breakthroughs in Changchun's Aerospace and Application Industries, the city has fostered and attracted enterprises specialized in aviation equipment manufacturing, aviation services, low-altitude economy, cultural tourism, and cultural creativity, further unleashing industrial cluster effects.

According to Changchun's Vice Mayor Lu Yue, the construction of the Changchun International Aviation Expo City has strongly driven revitalization and development in the city's western area. With the growing influence of the air show, the introduction of related enterprises and projects, and the enrichment of cultural tourism offerings, the Expo City will become a new growth pole and a hub for new quality productive forces.

 

Shaping the Future of Low-Altitude Economy

The low-altitude economy is characterized by its "robust industrial chains, extensive integration, and wide-reaching influence". At the Changchun Low-Altitude Flight Service Command Center, a large screen is displaying real-time footage transmitted by drones. Powered by intelligent algorithms, the system enables efficient task management and scheduling. Through a visual platform, staff can effortlessly execute tasks, allocate resources, and monitor safety, delivering "one-stop" intelligent services.

To tap into the "trillion-dollar blue ocean", Changchun is gathering momentum to takeoff. From establishing infrastructure such as computility centers and flight command centers, to deploying technical systems like grid coding and low-altitude satellite communications, and developing industrial carriers including low-altitude economy parks and cold-weather test sites, Changchun has made coordinated efforts in both policy and industry in recent years. Through systematic innovation, the city has built a low-altitude economy industrial ecosystem, turning blueprints into reality.

As one of the first pilot cities for low-altitude airspace management reform in China, the city released the Action Plan for Promoting High-Quality Development of the Low-Altitude Economy in Changchun (2024-2026) last year. The plan aims to establish Changchun as a low-altitude economy hub in Northeast China, create an industrial spatial layout centered on Jingyue High-tech Zone, striving to achieve the goals of "flying well", "using well", and "developing well" in the low-altitude economy sector.

According to Chi Xu, Director of the Economic Development Bureau of Jingyue High-tech Zone, by leveraging the existing urban data platform, the computility center, and other software and hardware infrastructure, the zone is focusing on cooperation with renowned domestic universities and leading enterprises in areas such as airspace designation and UAV satellite communications, to lay a solid foundation for the large-scale and commercial development of the low-altitude industry.

In this February, the low-altitude large model "Zidong Changkong" made its debut in Changchun. The model applies AI's technical advantages in data integration, industrial applications, and comprehensive management to the low-altitude economy sector. Through data analysis and logical reasoning, it serves as an "intelligent brain" that assists governments and enterprises in making decisions and commanding operations.

"We are building a 'Low-Altitude Cloud' to provide computility, storage, and network communication support for the city's low-altitude economy," said Wu Yijiang, General Manager of Northeast Asia Digital Technology Co., Ltd.

At this year's air show, Jilin Yiqifei Technology Co., Ltd. showcases six high-performance UAV products. As a national high-tech enterprise integrating UAV applications, software development, and integrated services, the company operates across agriculture, forestry, power, water conservancy, transportation, and more. "We look forward to using the exhibition platform to expand cooperation and jointly promote innovation in the aviation industry," said Yu Shu'ang, the company's Deputy General Manager.

Air Show Fever Continues

In the sky, aircraft roar past, performing breathtaking aerobatics that draw cheers from the crowd; on the ground, the newly opened Blue Sky Park buzzes with activity, featuring distinctive aviation landscapes and diverse consumer offerings, making it a new landmark for the integration of "aviation + cultural tourism".

This year's Changchun Air Show covers a total area of 2.358 million square meters, a significant expansion over the previous edition. It boasts richer content places greater emphasis on combining the city's cultural tourism with aviation science popularization, highlighting the unique charm of the "Aviation City".

 

 

Inside the venue, the Science Popularization and Experiential Learning Hall, themed "Pursuing Dreams Among the Stars, Inspiring the Future for Youth", offers 15 interactive projects, including model aircraft assembly, flight simulations, and drone operation, allowing young visitors to immerse themselves in the wonders of aviation technology. Outside the venue, over 50 special activities are held across the city. For instance, Xinmin Street transforms into an aviation-themed block with a century-long aviation history exhibition; Siji Nanhe Park presents aviation-themed light and water shows and model aircraft competitions; and tourist attractions such as Changchun Movie Wonderland and Jingyuetan, along with citywide museums and public places, feature aviation performances and lectures.

The construction of the Changchun International Aviation Expo City allows the air show to take root in Changchun, evolving from a "periodic event" into a "perennial highlight". During off-exhibition periods, the Expo City's exhibition center will regularly host various exhibitions and activities, creating an "everlasting air show".

The integration of aviation culture is boosting cultural tourism consumption. Enthusiasts can build model aircraft at the experiential learning base and get up close to aviation equipment, while more and more out-of-town tourists are visiting Changchun. The "aviation fever" is being converted into a comprehensive boost across tourism, dining, and accommodation sectors.

"Changchun Air Show is not only a grand event showcasing the remarkable achievements of China's aviation industry and igniting public passion for aviation, but also a promising opportunity for the city to promote the deep integration of culture and tourism and stimulate cultural tourism consumption," said Zhang Huiyong, Director of Changchun Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism. He added that the city would capitalize on its cultural tourism resources to create an aviation-themed carnival for all to engage and enjoy.

Riding this wave of momentum, Changchun is soaring ahead, steadfastly pursuing its future as an "Aviation City."

Source: Changchun Government Affairs Editor: Liu Jiadi