9th CIIE showcases new directions for green, digital development of civil aviation

A wide range of innovative civil aviation services and cutting-edge equipment is on display at the ongoing 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, showcasing new directions for the green and digital development of civil aviation.

A digital terminal at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the venue of the expo, allows visitors to check in their luggage on the spot.

At the terminal, visitors can not only complete simple check-in procedures like obtaining a boarding pass, but they can also hand their luggage directly to staff members or book a "door-to-door" service, where workers will pick up their luggage from home or hotel and deliver it to the airport for check-in.

This not only frees up their hands but also saves more time for them.

At this year's CIIE, this service has attracted many busy businessmen to give it a try.

"The CIIE venue is indeed quite large. It used to be a hassle as luggage had to go through security checks upon entry, and if we had to head to the airport afterward, we'd have to drag our luggage a long way. This time, I happened to spot this counter and found it very convenient. It saves me more time to focus on my work at the venue," said an exhibitor.

In addition, at this year's automotive and future mobility exhibition area, an autonomous baggage tractor made its debut.

It can be remotely controlled to transport passenger luggage and cargo at the airport.

The higher level of automation and unmanned operation will alleviate the workload of airport staff working on the tarmac under harsh conditions such as extreme heat and cold.

There is also a model hangar system on display. The system is designed for the assembly and construction of hangars.

The building materials and main components of hangar are usually prefabricated in factories beforehand. So, once the materials are transported to the apron, the system will rapidly assemble it. It takes as little as one and a half months to complete the hangar. Compared to traditional hangar construction, which takes three years, this method reduces costs by 30 percent.

Additionally, over the hangar's designed 25-year service life, it can be disassembled and reassembled approximately 10 times, allowing for flexible relocation based on changes in airport layout and airline operational needs. It will also make aircraft maintenance more convenient.

Running from Nov. 5 to 10, this year's CIIE has attracted 4,142 overseas exhibitors, including more than 300 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders.

9th CIIE showcases new directions for green, digital development of civil aviation

Canada-headquartered athletic apparel brand Lululemon is embracing the vast Chinese market through a deepened presence at the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE), which opened in Shanghai on Thursday.

This year's expo has drawn 4,144 overseas exhibitors from 152 countries and regions. As the guest country of honor, Canada brought a delegation of about 120 companies.

This year also marks Lululemon's third consecutive participation at the CIIE. Andre Maestrini, president and chief commercial officer of Lululemon, brought a global debut product to the booth -- a runner's vest that seamlessly integrates insulation with ventilation.

"You see the fabrics here, the perforation, the double layering and different inclusions of technical materials to be able for air to flow, but still protecting and keep you warm in extreme conditions," said Maestrini.

He also noted that while the product is designed domestically, its inspirations and effectiveness are honed and validated​ in China, a market featuring rapid evolution and highly diversified consumer demands.

"Outdoor, outwear, China is seeing a lot of progress, so it's very interesting to see what China guests require. If you know what China guests want, and [combined with] people that living in Vancouver or Whistler near Canada, because we have a lot of mountains and outdoors -- the combination makes it a global product," he said.

Beyond product development, global companies are increasingly regarding China not only as a destination for bilateral trade, but as a springboard for broader global investment.

"China speed, in terms of innovation [and] in trends, is so intense that if we are present in China, and we have teams here developing the products that's needed for the China market, we see the potential to export them," said Maestrini.

Launched in 2018, the CIIE is the world's first national-level expo dedicated to import, and has become an important gateway for foreign businesses seeking access to China's vast consumer and industrial markets. This year's exhibition is held from Nov. 5 to 10.

Canadian athletic apparel brand deepens China presence with proactive CIIE showcase

Canadian athletic apparel brand deepens China presence with proactive CIIE showcase