AVIC-ENG's Arrival at Marrakech Air Show
The Marrakech Air Show has officially announced the participation of AVIC-ENG, a Chinese public company renowned for its expertise in aviation infrastructure. This announcement comes at a pivotal moment when Morocco is investing a staggering 38 billion dirhams into its airport infrastructure. The China National Aero-Technology International Engineering Corporation, a subsidiary of AVIC-ENG, is set to exhibit from October 7 to 10, 2026, at the Royal Moroccan Air Forces base. The organizers of the event have confirmed this exciting news this week, highlighting the significance of AVIC-ENG's role in the aviation sector.
Founded in 1980, AVIC-ENG, also known as CATIC Engineering, is part of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, a major state-owned aerospace conglomerate. However, its focus is distinct from that of military and transportation aircraft manufacturers under the same umbrella. AVIC-ENG is primarily engaged in the engineering and construction of airport infrastructures, including runways, terminals, maintenance hangars, and various associated equipment. Notably, it oversees AVIC-KDN, a company that specializes in turnkey contracts, airport lighting systems, aircraft movement areas, and the planning of airport cities.
Since 2016, AVIC-KDN has been involved in airport projects across several countries, including Sri Lanka, Liberia, Angola, Vanuatu, Nepal, and Burundi, showcasing its extensive experience in the African market and its capability to handle large-scale projects abroad.
Morocco's Ambitious Airport Investment Program
AVIC-ENG's participation in the Marrakech Air Show aligns perfectly with Morocco's ambitious airport development program, one of the largest in the nation’s history. The Moroccan government, in collaboration with the National Airports Office, has signed an agreement worth 38 billion dirhams for investments spanning from 2025 to 2030. The initial allocation of 25 billion dirhams will be directed toward enhancing capacity at key airports in Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, and Fez, as well as constructing a hub terminal and an additional runway in Casablanca. The remaining 13 billion dirhams will focus on maintenance, modernization of the network, and land acquisitions, as detailed on the official Moroccan portal.
This ambitious program aims to increase the capacity of Moroccan airports to accommodate 80 million passengers annually by 2030, presenting a substantial market opportunity for international firms capable of constructing runways, terminals, and technical facilities. The presence of AVIC-ENG at the Marrakech Air Show is not entirely unprecedented; the company has participated in previous editions, including the 2024 event, where CATIC, which markets AVIC's aerospace products internationally, was also an exhibitor. The inclusion of AVIC-ENG this time emphasizes the company's focus on construction and infrastructure development.
As reported by bladi.net.
