Pudong Int'l Airport to be core air hub in Asia-Pacific: SAA

Shanghai Airport Authority (SAA) aims to make Pudong International Airport the core air hub in the Asia-Pacific region, sources cited Wu Nianzu, chairman and president of the SAA as saying at the launch of a three-day forum for the global airport industry on Monday.

Wu said SAA has embarked on making Pudong International Airport the best air hub in China that offers high-quality services to passengers. "We will take the Hong Kong International Airport as a good role model, from which we hope to learn advanced airport management."

Pudong International Airport ranks the world's top five in terms of cargo throughput in 2007. The airport's second terminal, including a third runway and a freight area, started operation last Wednesday. Expansion project for sister Hongqiao Airport has also started, which is scheduled to open before 2010, according to Wu.

The two airports are also aiming to grow its non-aviation-related operations, Wu added. SAA expects half of overall revenue to come from its non-aviation-related business in coming years, compared with the current 30%.