The Chinese giant that builds airports arrives in Marrakech

China National Aero-Technology International Engineering Corporation will participate in the next Marrakech Air Show, organized from October 7 to 10, 2026, at the Royal Air Force base. Its presence as an exhibitor was announced this week by the show’s organizers.

Also known as AVIC-ENG or CATIC Engineering, this state-owned company, founded in 1980, is affiliated with Aviation Industry Corporation of China, the major aerospace group owned by the Chinese state. Its activity, however, differs from that of the combat or transport aircraft manufacturers belonging to the group.

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AVIC-ENG is primarily involved in engineering and infrastructure development. Its activities cover airports, runways, terminals, maintenance hangars and various associated equipment. In particular, it controls AVIC-KDN, a company specializing in turnkey contracts, runway lighting systems, aircraft movement areas and airport-city planning.

According to the group’s presentation, this subsidiary has participated since 2016 in airport projects in Sri Lanka, Liberia, Angola, Vanuatu, Nepal and Burundi. AVIC-ENG therefore already has experience in African markets and large-scale projects carried out abroad.

A 38-billion-dirham Moroccan market

Its presence in Marrakech comes as Morocco rolls out one of the most significant airport programs in its history. The government and the National Airports Office have reached an agreement covering 38 billion dirhams in investments between 2025 and 2030.

An initial allocation of 25 billion will finance increased capacity at the airports of Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier and Fès, as well as the construction of a hub terminal and an additional runway in Casablanca. The remaining 13 billion is intended for maintenance, modernization of the network and land acquisitions, according to Morocco’s official portal.

The Kingdom thus intends to increase the capacity of its airports to 80 million passengers per year by 2030. This program represents a significant potential market for international groups capable of building runways, terminals or technical facilities.

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The Chinese presence at the Marrakech Air Show is not entirely new. During the 2024 edition, CATIC, which is notably responsible for marketing AVIC’s aerospace products abroad, was already among the exhibitors. AVIC-ENG’s participation this time adds a profile more focused on construction and infrastructure.