Shanghai to redevelop its first airport

Shanghai, May 10 (IANS) Shanghai will rebuild its first airport and turn it into a heliport that will be used by over 4,000 helicopters annually by 2020, a media report said Thursday.

The Longhua airport, Shanghai's first airport which is no longer in use, will be a heliport used mainly for rescue work, police patrols, urban management and firefighting operations, authorities said.

Covering 30,000 square metres, it will include a taxiway, three terminal buildings and a refuelling shed, reported Shanghai Daily.

More than 4,000 helicopters will take off and land at the airport annually by 2020 and fly mainly along the Huangpu river, said a public notice issued by the authority.

"Some VIP clients of companies based in nearby office buildings will be able to take helicopters," an official said.