Captain rewarded for preventing collision at airport

China Eastern Airlines pilot He Chaowas rewarded today with 3 million yuan ($443,866) from his employer, for his correct and quick decision-making which prevented a collision between two planes at an airport in Shanghai.

The critical moment happened on October 11 when He's Airbus A320 jet, carrying 147 passengers, was preparing to take off from the Shanghai-Hongqiao International Airport.

All of a sudden, He's aircraft encountered another Airbus A330 cutting across its path.

The two planes, both owned by China Eastern Airlines, were found to have been simultaneously cleared for take-off by air traffic control.

The near-collision occurred as He sped up to take off, narrowly evading a head-on crash. The A320 was just 19 meters from the taxiing A330.

Investigation by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) showed the incident was a result of errors made by the air traffic controllers.

Thirteen officials received punishments that included warnings, demerits, sackings and suspensions of various air traffic control licences, CAAC said.

He was named as an outstanding member of the Communist Party of China. The crew members were also rewarded with a total of 600,000 yuan.