SUPPLEMENT


Raft of regional airport openings While Dalian Jinzhouwan International Airport may be eyeing seven figure cargo tonnages, there are many more modest Chinese regional airports that have much smaller cargo ambitions and capabilities. A range of them opened as recently as 2021 as the country powers its eye-watering infrastructure spending.


On the way to six figures Chengdu Tianfu International Airport was designed to handle significant cargo volumes, complementing the existing Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. The airport’s aim was to establish Chengdu as a major logistics hub in western China, facilitating domestic and international freight services. The airport commenced operations in June 2021. As of 2023,


the airport processed approximately 245,897 tonnes of cargo. The airport’s current infrastructure supports an annual capacity of up to 1.3 million tonnes of cargo and mail. Future expansion plans aim to increase this capacity to 2.8 million tonnes annually.


Upward trend Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport replaced the former Qingdao Liuting Airport and features advanced cargo facilities to support increased freight capacity, serving as a critical node for cargo distribution in eastern China. The airport has experienced significant growth in cargo throughput. In the first nine months of 2024, the airport handled nearly 206,700 tonnes of cargo and mail, marking a 10.5% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. This upward trend underscores the airport’s expanding role in facilitating air freight within the region, say managers.


Developing its operations Serving the city of Heze in Shandong province, Heze Mudan Airport enhances


cargo connectivity for local industries, supporting


economic activities and facilitating efficient goods transportation. Heze Mudan Airport, which began operations in April 2021, is designed to handle an annual cargo and mail throughput of 6,500 tonnes by 2030. In its inaugural year, 2021, the airport processed approximately 25.5 tonnes of cargo. As the airport continues to develop its operations, it is expected to progressively increase its cargo handling capacity to meet its design goals.


Upward trend Located


in Anhui province, Wuhu Xuanzhou Airport bolsters


regional cargo capabilities, supporting local manufacturing and trade sectors with improved logistics solutions.


It commenced


operations on April 30, 2021 and demonstrated significant growth in its cargo handling capabilities. In 2022, the airport processed approximately 5,029.61 tonnes of cargo and mail. This figure saw a substantial increase in 2023, with the airport


handling over 20,000 tonnes of cargo and mail. This upward trend underscores the airport’s expanding role in regional logistics and transportation.


Growing role Serving Hubei province, Jingzhou Shashi Airport enhances cargo operations by providing efficient transport options for products, airport


“The first phase will


accommodate 13 million


passengers, regional


thereby supporting local economic development. The located in Hubei province, commenced operations on


January 30, 2021. In 2023, the airport handled approximately 812.1 tonnes of cargo. During the summer transport season of 2024, the airport reported a cargo and mail throughput of 1,200 tonnes. These figures show a growing role for Jingzhou Shashi Airport in regional cargo transportation.


expanding to 50 million by 2050.”


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