The construction of China's first airport for emergency rescue flights is running smoothly in this east China port city.

At present, the civil engineering work of the project has been completed. Several S-76C Salvage helicopters, the most modern type among similar planes, have been transported from the United States to Shanghai and are now being assembled, sources said.

The helicopter can fly in heavy winds, with the travel distance of 650 kilometers and the capacity to carry up to 10 people.

Ships used to be the most common type of salvage vehicle in China and are usually hindered by gale winds and high waves when approaching salvage targets.

Experts said that the establishment of the 136,000-square-meter airport will greatly enhance China's search and rescue capability.

The airport is located in Gaodong Township and is only 1,500 meters away from a local wharf.

Support systems such as communication monitoring, energy supply, meteorological equipment and fire prevention are also being built now.

( Xinhua News Agency January 10, 2002)