China Quickens Pace in Building Modern Airport System

China invested RMB 43.5 billion (US $6.72 billion) in fixed assets in the civil aviation industry during the first half of 2021, an increase of 8.5 percent year on year. At the end of June, 23 airports were under construction nationwide.

China is accelerating the building of a modern airport system that features an optimal layout and full assortment of functionality by transforming and expanding hub airports and building small and mediumsized airports in remote areas.

Although China ranks second in the world in terms of the number of passengers traveling by air, its civil aviation industry still faces imbalance and inadequacy in development. Considering the fact that China has a large middle-income class made up by over 400 million people and an even larger low and middle-income class, the demands for air transport will continue to grow significantly.

The civil aviation industry is a strategic, foundational, and leading industry that supports economic and social development. Airports are expected to help upgrade regional infrastructure and modernize the industrial chain.

Besides, for less developed areas in China, a feeder airport will bring multiple improvements to local people’s livelihoods, logistics, emergency response, and tourism.