The 8th Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) International Science and Technology Innovation Week, themed “Sky Link: Sustainable Aviation for the Future,” was launched on 8 September at the Beijing Civil Aircraft Technology Research Center of COMAC. This year’s event focused on new‑energy aircraft, artificial intelligence, the low‑altitude economy and transformation of the air transport system, bringing together over 500 experts and stakeholders from government, academia, industry, research institutes, and industry associations across nine countries and regions.
A delegation from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) participated this event, including Prof. WEN, Chih Yung, Head of AAE and Chair Professor of Aeronautical Engineering and Director of the COMAC–PolyU Research Institute for Large Aircraft (RILA); Prof. Siyang ZHONG, Assistant Professor in the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering; as well as representatives from the PolyU Research and Innovation Office and RILA. The PolyU delegation took part in the opening ceremony, the SciTech and Young Talent Forum, and thematic seminars such as the Low‑Altitude Economy seminar, engaging in in‑depth discussions with representatives from leading institutions including Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Khalifa University, Beijing Institute of Technology, and the Chinese Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics, exploring opportunities for future collaboration.
COMAC–PolyU Research Institute for Large Aircraft (RILA)
Established in November 2024 as a joint initiative between COMAC and PolyU, RILA is dedicated to advancing the development, innovation, and deployment of large‑aircraft technologies in support of China’s strategic aviation objectives. Leveraging PolyU’s strengths in aeronautical engineering and digital technologies, alongside COMAC’s extensive expertise in aircraft design, manufacturing and operations, RILA addresses critical challenges across the full aircraft lifecycle.
Currently, RILA is supporting research projects focusing on digital‑intelligent manufacturing, predictive maintenance, operations optimisation, and sustainable recycling solutions. Through joint efforts between PolyU and COMAC in research projects, patent applications, high-quality publications, and training for postgraduate students, RILA aims to enhance the competitiveness, reliability, and sustainability of China’s large aircraft sector, positioning Hong Kong as a significant contributor to both national and global aerospace innovation.
