The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region plans to build six feeder airports in the 2001-2005 period, according to the Urumqi Airport Bureau under the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

A total investment of 1.369 billion yuan (US$165.7 million) will be used in the construction plans next year.

According to an official plan, the region will improve the function of the Urumqi International Airport, upgrade airports in Hotan and Hami and build airports in Korla, Karamay, Narat and Turpan.

A 3,200-meter runway will be built with an investment of 200 million yuan at Hotan Airport; the construction of the Korla Airport with a total investment of more than 700 million yuan will start next year; the Karamay airport will be built with an investment of 178 million yuan and the Narat and Turpan airports will require 286 million yuan.

At present, preparations are in full swing for building the airports and the projects are scheduled for completion in five years.

(Eastday.com 12/26/2000)