With Tuesday's takeoff of the special plane for Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien, the two airports in Shanghai reported safe landing and takeoff of 102 VIP flights, of which 39 were special planes for heads of state.

Meanwhile, operation of passenger planes remained smooth at the two airports during the period. Hongqiao Airport in west Shanghai handled 350 flights daily and Pudong Airport in the east handled 250 flights, according to sources.

During the six-day APEC meeting, the two airports handled a total 3,467 flights.

Twelve special planes landed in Shanghai on October 19, with the arrival of special planes of 11 state leaders including the prime ministers of Canada and Japan, and the president of Mexico.

On the afternoon of October 21, seven special planes left Shanghai including those of presidents of the United States and Russia.

(People's Daily 10/25/2001)