The Capital International Airport in Beijing announced Sunday that it will spend 1.2 billion yuan (US$145 million) to upgrade its two terminals in a bid to accommodate the ever-increasing influx of passengers.

Wang Jiadong, general manager of the Capital International Airport Co. Ltd., said that the upgrading was necessary in term of its passenger flows in the past two months. The number of passengers arriving and departing this year from Capital Airport may increase by 5 million from last year's level, he added.

Among other things, 67 plane resting positions, more than 10 boarding gates and 32 reception counters will be added in the upgrade. The eastern and western runways, tarmac for special planes and business jets will also undergo a facelift, according to Wang.

Service at the airport won't be affected as upgrading will be carried out in the early morning hours, Wang said. The work of construction on the third terminal will be completed by the end ofthis year.

(Xinhua News Agency March 28, 2005)