Qingdao's new airport completes test flights

Two planes completed test flights at Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport on Jan 27, local media reported.

The successful test flights lasted more than two hours and took place in low visibility, demonstrating the new airport's ability to operate in difficult flying conditions.

China Eastern Airlines and Shandong Airlines dispatched their flagship models Airbus 350 and Boeing 737-800 respectively to take part in the test flights.

According to Li Qixing, deputy general manager of Qingdao Airport Group, the test flights assessed 22 factors across seven categories, including flight procedures, new technology devices, ground procedures, taking off, landing, taxiing and truck-towing.

"The test flights have laid a solid foundation for the subsequent acceptance work and transfer operation of the new airport," said Li.

The Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport is due to replace Qingdao Liuting International Airport as the city's main airport to meet the surging air service demands.

Located approximately 39 kilometers northwest of Qingdao, the new airport features a 478,000-square-meter terminal and is expected to serve 35 million passengers in 2025 and 55 million by 2045.