AERO Asia 2025

Making Waves in the Low-Altitude Economy: Seaplane Asia at AERO Asia 2025, Zhuhai China

The skies over Zhuhai International Airshow Center were buzzing last week as AERO Asia 2025 cemented its role as the premier platform for the Asia-Pacific's rapidly evolving general aviation and low-altitude economy. Seaplane Asia was proud to be at the heart of the action, showcasing how amphibious aviation provides an immediate, scalable solution for connectivity in a region dominated by islands and coastlines.

The four-day event, which ran from November 27–30, gathered over 380 exhibitors from 22 countries, with a significant focus on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and the rise of the eVTOL sector. The sheer scale of innovation on display was breathtaking, with nearly 30 leading manufacturers showcasing their latest eVTOL models and prototypes across the five specialized halls.

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Highlighting the "Blue Market" Advantage

The highlight of the week was the participation of our Group CEO Dennis Keller in the high-profile panel, "The Future of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Across Asia-Pacific." Dennis was joined by C-level leaders from global AAM champions, including Volocopter, SkyDrive, and Eve Air Mobility, as well as the CEO of NexAvian, a niche aviation service provider dedicated to the progression of future air mobility. Dennis’ message was clear and highly relevant to the region's geography.

While the 'red market' of land-based urban eVTOL operations rightly dominates much of the industry discussion, it addresses only part of Asia's unique mobility needs. The real opportunity for early, scalable, and cross-border value lies in the 'blue market' — water-based Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations.

Asia's geography, particularly the archipelagic nature of Southeast Asia, which mirrors southern China's coastal zones, makes water the most logical, sustainable, and cost-free infrastructure. Amphibious aircraft, including current models like the Cessna Caravan EX and emerging electric, hybrid, and hydrogen amphibious aircraft, can leverage water as an immediate vertiport and runway.

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Realism and the Path to Commercial Viability

We are immensely excited about the low-altitude economy and eVTOL technology, but we must be realistic and grounded about the timeline for mass commercialization. The road from prototype to routine operations requires significant time and effort for:

• Development and rigorous testing
• Type certification across multiple regulatory bodies (like CAAC, EASA, etc.)
• Infrastructure development such as charging facilities and vertiports
• Pilot licensing and operator training
• Regulatory convergence to enable multi-country operations

Operators like Seaplane Asia can help close this gap. Our existing operational experience, regulatory know-how, and established infrastructure networks are invaluable to future AAM partners. We are keen on actively partnering with the right eVTOL developer — not just signing speculative MOUs for 'buying,' but truly co-creating solutions and preparing the market for the next era of flight.

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Advanced Starts Now: The Two-Part Immediate Strategy

In the meantime, the work of Advanced Air Mobility and the Low-Altitude Economy starts now by focusing on two immediate, actionable pathways:

1. Amphibious Operations and Water Infrastructure: By deploying proven assets like the Cessna Caravan EX, we activate existing water infrastructure as immediate air corridors. This establishes crucial routes for essential services and island-hopping tourism now, perfectly setting the stage for future eVTOL networks.
2. Next-Generation Technology Integration: We are not waiting. We can push the envelope on existing platforms, for instance through exploring the Caravan’s engine (PT-6) retrofitting for hybrid or electric propulsion systems to improve sustainability and efficiency, or through pioneering testing programs for uncrewed operations to advance autonomous flight capabilities and logistics.

By focusing on regulatory convergence with bodies like CAAC and fostering cross-border collaboration frameworks with Chinese manufacturers and financiers, we position amphibious aviation as the enabling, income-generating component that matures the market for the future AAM revolution across Asia-Pacific.

A Unified Network: Seaplane Asia Leadership in Attendance

Dennis Keller was joined by the senior leadership team: Michael J. Aumock, Group Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), and Fabrice Mouton, Chief Technical Officer (CTO). Their combined presence underscored the company's commitment to both commercial growth and technical excellence in the region.

CCO Michael J. Aumock highlighted the strategic value of attending AERO Asia:

"AERO Asia is the ultimate meeting point where China's low-altitude economy ambition meets the global general aviation industry. For Seaplane Asia, it’s vital to engage with the eVTOL ecosystem and the regional supply chain. We are not competitors; we are integrators. Our current amphibious fleet provides the 'middle-mile' connectivity to islands and coastal areas, perfectly setting the stage for future eVTOL networks to handle the 'ultra-local, first-and-last-mile' access. Partnerships  are the only path to sustainable growth in this dynamic region."

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Landmark Deal: 12 Caravans for Asia's Skies

The excitement peaked with a signing ceremony hosted by Aero Assets Asia (AAA), Seaplane Asia's asset management joint venture. AAA finalized a landmark purchase agreement for twelve Cessna Grand Caravan EX Amphibian aircraft with Hainan Haizhi General Aviation (a subsidiary of Northern-Heli Aviation).

This deal is one of the largest regional commitments for the versatile Caravan EX Amphibian, underscoring the immediate commercial appetite for reliable, proven amphibious assets that can serve the archipelagic nations of Southeast Asia.

To read the full announcement on this major acquisition, click here: www.siamseaplane.com/news/aero-assets-asia 

Seaplane Asia is committed to leveraging its operational expertise and asset strategy to shape the future of air mobility, ensuring that its classic amphibious capabilities seamlessly integrate with the cutting-edge of the AAM revolution.