CHINA. Shanghai International Airport’s board of directors has approved a 15 billion yuan (US$1.8 billion) expansion of Pudong International Airport .
The expected expansion will be completed in 2007. It will help meet strong passenger traffic demand, especially during the World Exposition to be held in Shanghai in 2010.
A second terminal is expected to open by 2008. It will feature an extensive emphasis on retail and other commercial services.
The news came as Shanghai International Airport also announced a +100% rise in 2004 net profits on the back of sharply increased traffic. The organization operates both the city’s airports, Pudong and Hongqiao. The airport management said that Pudong’s passenger numbers increased by +39.6% over the difficult 2003 to 21 million.
Collectively the two airports handled about 36 million passengers in 2004, +45% more than the previous year. The airports are now linked to 86 international destinations, with 16 being added in 2004. Of these 16, five were added by foreign carriers.
MORE STORIES ON SHANGHAI AIRPORTS
Shanghai airports handle 36 million in 2004 – 06/01/05
Shanghai Airport Authority sets its sights on handling 100 million passengers by 2015 – 17/11/04
Shanghai sees record traffic levels – 29/10/04
Shanghai profits surge by +154.3% on traffic rebound – 19/08/2004
Passenger traffic at Shanghai’s airports hit 24.7 million – 11/02/04
