Mainland China now boasts the world’s second largest total of departing passengers using scheduled airlines. Only US airports handle more travellers. Over the last six years China’s 130 airports have recorded an average growth in passenger numbers of 13 per cent and in 2004 handled over 100 million.

This trend is set to continue, with increases in traffic foreseen not only in the more economically developed east of the country but also in the large provinces in the west. Projections by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) anticipate airline traffic growth continuing at 10 per cent annually, reaching 84 billion revenue tonne-km by 2020 compared to 16.2 billion in 2002.

The country’s response includes an ambitious programme of airport development embracing new facilities – up to 30 new airports could open in 2005 – and capacity enhancement at existing locations. The main focus is expected to be on large hub airports with multiple runways.

Nowhere is airport development more evident than in the capital, Beijing, which is to host the 2008 Olympic Games. In 2004 a $2.3 billion expansion project began to provide the city’s international airport with a third runway, a new terminal building and 100 new aprons. This will increase capacity from the present 35 million passengers annually to 60 million.

However, this extra capacity alone is still not expected to meet Beijing’s future needs. The CAAC has already indicated a need for a second and possibly third airport to handle the 120-150 million annual passengers expected to travel to or from the city by 2020.

inter airport China 2006 is being organised to provide companies serving the airport sector with an unparalleled opportunity to present their capabilities in this unique dynamic market. Building on the success of the 2004 show at the same venue and three previous inter airport Asia events in Singapore, this latest exhibition will also draw on its organisers’ long-established experience in staging inter airport events globally for the civil aviation infrastructure industry.

Some 150 exhibitors from 20 countries took part in the 2004 inter airport show in Beijing, most hailing the event a major success for their business. Make sure that your company takes part in this unique opportunity to gain access to China’s booming airport market by reserving your stand at
inter airport China 2006 now!