China airports clear for take-off

China's airport building boom is set to accelerate

China plans to spend 140 billion yuan ($17.4bn; £9.96bn) over the next five years on its airports as its expanding economy fuels demand for air travel.

The country predicts its fleet of airliners will reach 1,580 by 2010, up from the 863 flying currently.

This is expected to accelerate to 4,000 commercial jets by 2020.

Airports at Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou will be expanded to continue their roles as China's main hubs for passengers and cargo, China says.

Other airports earmarked for expansion include those in Shenzhen, Chengdu, Haikou and Xian.

"By 2010, the mainland will have about 186 airports, up from 142 currently," said Gao Hongfeng, vice-minister of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

Chinese airlines carried 138 million passengers last year, up 15.5% on the year, while the amount of air cargo carried grew by 13.8%.

According to the CAAC, passenger and cargo traffic will grow at an average of 14% each year until 2010, before slowing to an annual rate of 11% in the years running up to 2020.