Helipad near Haibin Beach upgraded to highest level

Zhuhai's Jiuzhou Helipad is now an A1 general airport, having obtained the first occupancy permit in Central and South China from the Civil Aviation Administration of China on July 25.

The helipad may now use aircraft with more than 10 passenger seats to carry out commercial flights, and provide services to other helicopters and small-business jets, according to the Methods for Classified Management of General Aviation Airports.

The measures, issued on April 14, re-standardize the classification of general aviation airports. Airports are divided into Category A and B. Category A airports open to the public are marked at three levels according to seating capacity with A1 being the highest. All general aviation airports must re-apply for their permits.

Jiuzhou Helipad [Photo courtesy Zhuhai Daily]

Located at Central Lovers Avenue next to Haibin Beach in Jida, Jiuzhou Helipad has been operating since 1991. It is run by China Southern Airlines General Aviation Co Ltd.

Being 450m long and 30m wide, the runway can accommodate large helicopters and small corporate jets. Occupying 14 hectares, the helipad has eight parking bays and five hangars.

In the past three years, annual average aircraft movements have risen to over 7,200 with an annual passenger volume of over 34,000. Major airlines operating out of Jiuzhou have connected Zhuhai with the Pearl River Estuary and oil platforms in the South China Sea.

In 2016, helicopter routes began commuting between the helipad, Wailingding, Wanshan, and Dong'ao islands.