Shanghai Pudong Airport recently launched the fourth phase of its expansion project with a planned cargo area at the eastern side, at a groundbreaking ceremony on 4 January.

This phase will cover six parts, including a terminal area, flight zone, transport facilities, municipal engineering support facilities, a new eastern cargo area and auxiliary facilities.

The Chinese airport noted that the programme was launched in response to the Shanghai international shipping center construction plan for the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25) and the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) integration development strategy.

The proramme aims to accelerate the interconnection of the YRD region, serve consumer demand for high-quality travel and satisfy the development needs of Shanghai-based airlines.

The airport expansion is part of China’s investments across a list of 82 major projects in the Pudong New Area, estimated at 317.6 billion yuan ($49.8 billion).