Shanghai will build a business aircraft hub at its Hongqiao International Airport in cooperation with Australia-based Hawker Pacific Pty Ltd, airport officials said yesterday.

Shanghai Pudong Internation Airport's waiting hall. Shanghai will build a business aircraft hub at its Hongqiao International Airport in cooperation with Australia-based Hawker Pacific Pty Ltd, airport officials said yesterday. [newsphoto]

The Shanghai Airport Authority, operator of the city's two airports, signed a memorandum yesterday with Hawker Pacifica, one of the world's leaders in aviation equipment sales and product support, to cooperate on the project.

The facility will be designed to accommodate 6,000 takeoffs and landings by business aircraft every year, airport officials said.

First-phase construction will be completed in 2008.

The hub will provide ground, repair and maintenance services for business aircraft - mostly small jets for private or corporate use. It will also offer jet storage services.

The project's land area and cost were not disclosed yesterday.

"Construction of the base is aimed at perfecting the functions of airports in Shanghai, which is building itself into an aviation hub," said Su Weiwei, an official with the Shanghai Airport Authority.

"Demand for these facilities is rising in Shanghai and nearby cities," she said.

Although China's business aviation sector lags far behind Western countries, the potential is enormous given the nation's vibrant economic growth.

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