Triple runway trialed in Beijing
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Posted on: September 27th, 2007 by Paul Fenrich
The first test of all three runways in operation at the same time at the new Beijing Capital Airport occurred on September 25th. The trial was the first of its kind in Asia where three runways in simultaneous operation has never occurred.
The airport recently completed the construction of its third runway which is expected to open to airline traffic sometime next month. With the extra runway, the airport has been able to increase its capacity in time for Olympic bound flights in 2008.
With the new terminal building which was only recently unveiled, it is now estimated that the airport will be able to handle up to 60 million travelers every year.
During the Olympic period alone, the airport is expecting a massive 5.56 million people to fly in and out of the airport.
An official for the General Administration of Civil Aviation, Duan Shili, says that only a few airports in the world operate three runways simultaneously.
Beijing has been working to improve its facilities since 2004. Unfortunately, a recent survey conducted by the Airports Council International placed Beijing 62nd globally, indicating that international passengers have a very low opinion of its facilities.
Igor
China is investing huge amounts of money in the organisation of the next Olympic Games. The government is determined to show the world that they are the perfect host and this huge sport event is absolutely a great promotion opportunity for China. Beijing Capital Airport is a good example of how much the Chinese want the Olympics to be a great succes. However, the recent peaceful mass demonstrations in Myanmar, which were brutally disturbed by military violence, might become a rather difficult affair for the China. The country is one of the junta’s few friends and other nations might warn China that if they not use their influence to end the violence and give democracy a chance, they might cancel the Olympic Games. I hope many countries will use the Olympics as a tool to finally free the Myanmar people from it’s evil regime.