China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation
| Company type | State-owned enterprise |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace, Defense, Aviation technology |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Fate | Restructured under AVIC; split into AVIC International Holding Corporation and CATIC in 2009 |
| Successor | AVIC International Holding Corporation (partial) |
| Headquarters | Beijing , China |
Area served | Worldwide (more than 30 countries) |
| Products | Military and civilian aircraft, airborne systems, ground support equipment, components, spare parts, UAVs, ships, construction machinery, medical devices, automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles |
| Owner | Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) |
| Parent | Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) |
China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC, ) operates as a state-owned Chinese enterprise focused on defense, particularly in the field of aviation technology and products. It acts as the sole worldwide agent for the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).
History
Established in 1979 under the Third Ministry of Machine Building, CATIC underwent a name change in 1989 when it came under the Ministry of Aerospace Industry. After that ministry was disbanded in 1993, AVIC was formed, and CATIC was restructured into CATIC Group. In 1999, when AVIC divided into AVIC I and AVIC II, CATIC Group became a joint venture owned by both entities. The reunification of AVIC I and II in 2008 resulted in CATIC becoming a fully owned subsidiary of AVIC. Subsequently, in 2009, CATIC Group was split into two entities: AVIC International Holding Corporation (AVIC INTL) and China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation, both operating under AVIC’s umbrella.
Products and services
Based in Beijing, CATIC is an authorized state exporter of aviation-related goods, distributing military and civilian aircraft—including fighters, trainers, bombers, helicopters, transport planes, UAVs, and general aviation models—as well as airborne systems, ground support equipment, components, and spare parts to more than 30 countries. The company has also participated in international collaborations to develop advanced aircraft such as the K-8 trainer, JF-17 fighter jet, and EC-120 helicopter.
CATIC’s specialized subsidiaries and regional branches located in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Xiamen, Fujian, Hangzhou, Dalian, and Harbin extend their focus beyond aviation into sectors including commerce, finance, real estate management, hotel operations, public procurement, machinery acquisition, civil engineering projects, logistics services, investment activities, leasing solutions, and e-commerce. Their diverse product offerings encompass ships, construction machinery for civil use, food processing equipment, medical devices, container inspection technology, automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, and related support services. Additionally, CATIC executes international infrastructure projects across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Among CATIC’s prominent holdings are well-known brands and enterprises like FIYTA watches, Shennan circuit manufacturing, Tianma LCD display panels, Tianhong retail mall chains, and Jiangnan Securities.
Aircraft
Fighters: J-10, JF-17/FC-1 Thunder, F-7, JH-7E
Trainer Fighters: L-15, FTC-2000, FT-7
Helicopters: Z-19, Z-11, Z-10, Z-9, Z-8, AC311, AC312, AC313
Transporters: Y-9, Y-8, MA60, MA600, MA700, Y-12E, Y-12F, LE500
UAVs: Wing Loong, Cloud Shadow, Harrier, U8E
Divisions
The Beijing-based headquarters of CATIC is organized into two divisions governed by managing committees.
The corporation holds ownership stakes in two companies publicly traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and three additional firms listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges.
Primary Business Units
- Sales Department
- Product Development Department
- Client Support Department
- Spare Parts Distribution Department
- Aviation Research and Development Department
- Aviation Engineering Department
Supporting Departments
- Operations Management Department
- Finance and Audit Department
- Human Resources Department