Guangzhou sinks $48b to build intl aviation hub

Guangzhou will invest nearly 315 billion yuan ($48 billion) in the construction of an international aviation hub and airport economic demonstration zone, according to an action plan rolled out by the city recently.

The investments will cover a total of 80 key projects in infrastructure, aeronautical maintenance and aviation logistics to be carried out from 2017-19.

The plan also details the ultimate goal of the Guangzhou international aviation hub and airport economic demonstration zone. By 2019, the passenger throughput for Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport will reach 72 million people and it will be able to handle 2.3 million tons of cargo per year. By then the international aviation hub will play a key role in promoting the industrial upgrading in Guangzhou and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Guangzhou will invest 315 billion yuan in the construction of Guangzhou international aviation hub and airport economic demonstration zone from 2017-19. [Photo/southcn.com]

The number of flight routes will also increase substantially, forming a four-hour air traffic circle connecting Guangzhou to major cities in China and Southeast Asian countries, as well as a 12-hour air traffic circle connecting Guangzhou to major cities across the world.

According to the plan, Guangzhou will invest 54 billion yuan in high-end industries in the airport area, focusing on 20 key projects including the China-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Industrial Park and Guangzhou Airport Economic Demonstration Zone Headquarters Park.

The city will also consult the reform measures and policies in Guangdong's free trade pilot zones in its airport economic demonstration zone construction and explore a new free trade development pattern.