China Airport Construction Pearl River Delta

U.S. companies with expertise in aviation technologies, green building and transportation solutions, and smart systems may find new export opportunities driven by the Chinese government’s increased efforts to modernize and further develop the country’s airport infrastructure.

According to estimates from the world’s leading aviation companies, China is projected to become the world’s largest air travel market by 2043, based on annual passenger traffic. To meet its increasing passenger demand, China continues to emphasize the need to upgrade existing infrastructure, including new airport construction, aiming to have over 400 airports by 2035, compared to 240 currently.

As one of China’s key major new airport proposals, the Pearl River Delta Hub (Foshan Gaoming) International Airport, strategically located in the Greater Bay Area – part of a new Chinese Government regional initiative to better integrate economic growth and strengthen infrastructure between Guangdong, Macao, and Hong Kong – is designed to be a critical transportation and logistics hub for South China. Currently, the project requires an investment estimated at more than $4 billion and aims to complement the region’s existing aviation network, which includes the Guangzhou Baiyun and Shenzhen Bao’an International airports. The new Foshan Gaoming airport is designed to accommodate 30 million passengers and facilitate 300,000 tons of cargo annually by 2035, and will feature one passenger terminal, two 3.8 kilometers by 45-meter runways, multiple cargo facilities, and a new high-speed rail station connecting major cities in Western Guangdong – including Foshan, Zhaoqing, and Maoming.

Given the sheer size and scale of the proposed Foshan Gaoming airport, the project presents significant business opportunities for U.S. companies specializing in aviation, engineering, and high-tech solutions. Key market opportunities include aviation equipment and services such as advanced air traffic control systems, radar systems, communications and navigation systems, green and smart ground equipment (e.g., automation systems for baggage handling and new energy vehicles), advanced construction technologies (e.g., innovative architectural design, eco-friendly building materials), and energy-efficient solutions (e.g., heating, ventilation and air conditioning).

For more information, please contact Office.Guangzhou@trade.gov.