China

Market overview

China is the world's second-largest air market. It handled 770 million passenger trips in 2025, up 5.5%, and 10.17 million tonnes of cargo and mail, up 13.3%. The regulator's 2026 targets are 810 million trips and 10.7 million tonnes. The network now has 270 transport airports, up from 241 at the end of 2020, after 630 billion yuan of investment in 2021–25. International passenger traffic rose 21.6% in 2025, and routes reach 263 cities in 90 countries. China is building its own airliner industry: 220 Chinese-made aircraft were in service at the end of 2025. The three biggest airlines took 15 COMAC C919s in 2025 and expect 33 in 2026. China is also an early mover in new air mobility: in March 2025 EHang's operators received the world's first operator certificates for passenger flights in a pilotless eVTOL. For foreign suppliers, the main openings are the C919 supply chain, Western-type MRO and parts, airport systems and cargo handling. Local partners are often part of the deal.

Key facts

• 770 million passenger trips (up 5.5%) and 10.17 million tonnes of cargo and mail (up 13.3%) in 2025 (CAAC, Jan 2026).
• 270 transport airports at the end of 2025, after 630 billion yuan (about US$90 billion) of investment in 2021–25.
• 220 Chinese-made aircraft in airline service at the end of 2025.
• The three largest airlines took 15 C919s in 2025 and expect 33 in 2026 (Mar 2026).
• EHang's operators received the world's first passenger eVTOL operator certificates, for sightseeing flights in Guangzhou and Hefei (Mar 2025).

Key figures

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators (CC BY 4.0).

Did you know

China's own airliner, the COMAC C919, entered commercial service in 2023.

Latest news

• China Eastern shows baggage robots and autonomous tractors
• EHang deliveries recover in Q2 but guidance withdrawn
• LandSpace lands its Zhuque-3 booster

Hong Kong

Hong Kong International Airport handled 61 million passengers in 2025, up 15%, with 394,730 flights (up 8.7%) and 5.07 million tonnes of cargo (up 2.7%), keeping it one of the world's busiest cargo airports. Its three-runway system came into operation on 28 November 2024; the airport authority targets about 120 million passengers and 10 million tonnes of cargo a year within about ten years, alongside a new Airport City development. Cathay Group, Hong Kong's main airline, ordered 14 more Airbus aircraft in November 2026. For suppliers, the openings are in cargo handling and logistics technology, widebody maintenance, airport systems for the expanded terminal, and training.

Key facts: 61 million passengers (+15%), 5.07 million tonnes cargo (+2.7%), 394,730 movements (+8.7%) in 2025 (Airport Authority Hong Kong via ACI Asia-Pacific, Jan 2026); three-runway system commissioned 28 Nov 2024; target about 120 million passengers and 10 million tonnes a year in about ten years.