Extension work for the Nanchong Airport, Jiuzhai Airport Phase III and Xichang Airport in Sichuan will commence this year. Large-scale airport construction projects will help to consolidate the position of the province as an air transport hub of the western region.

According to the 2009 Sichuan's Major Air Transport Projects List provided by the Sichuan provincial development and reform committee, this year three airport projects in Sichuan will commence, which include extension work for the Nanchong Airport, Jiuzhai Airport Phase III and Xichang Airport. In addition, six other airport projects will kick off by 2010. Together, the nine projects will have a total investment of Rmb9.786 billion. People in the trade pointed out that these large-scale airport construction projects are bound to propel the development of regional air transport in the province, enhance the overall competitive edge of Sichuan's aviation industry, and strengthen its position as an air transport hub of the western region.

Among the nine projects, it has been confirmed that the three projects involving the extension of the Nanchong Airport, Jiuzhai Airport Phase III and Xichang Airport will break ground and start work this year. The scheduled completion dates have been initially set at 2009 to 2011.