CAAC: Chinese airports to handle 678 million pax in 2012, asset investment of USD23bn

CAAC estimates China's airports will handle up to 678 million passengers, up 9.2% year-on-year, and 11.9 million tons of cargo, up 3.1% in 2012, according to Carnoc.com. To support the growth, China plans investments of CNY150 billion (USD23.4 billion) in fixed assets including CNY75 billion (USD11.7 billion) in infrastructure investment. Beijing Capital International Airport's annual passenger numbers is forecast to exceed 80 million, making it the world's second busiest airport by passenger numbers while Shanghai Pudong International Airport's cargo volume is expected to reach 2.9 million tons, placing it third in the world. CAAC also reported the nation's 12 busiest airports recorded more than 1200 additional daily slots through expanding capacity, improving efficiency and optimising airspace. Meanwhile, China's 138 small and medium-sized airports reported an average passenger growth of 18.3%.