The Chongqing government plans to build 100 takeoff and landing points for helicopters, according to a recent plan released by Chongqing Development and Reform Commission.

Chongqing has been drafting a system for general aviation flights, said Li Yong, the leader of an official research group for general aviation in Chongqing.

"The system, consisting of one general aviation industrial park, 10 airports and 100 takeoff and landing points, will be completed in five to 10 years," Li said.

"The system will be built in response to the need for Chongqing to develop emergency rescue operations, tourism and business flights," added Li, also a researcher at the Regional Economic Research Center of the Chongqing Academy of Social Sciences.

Earlier this year, Tang Zongwei, deputy director of the Liangjiang administrative committee and an NPC deputy from Chongqing, said Chongqing's general aviation business is in full swing.

According to Li, the municipality currently has seven airports for general aviation flights.

"All of the (takeoff and landing) points will be mapped out according to specific local conditions," Li said.

The general aviation park will be built in the Liangjiang New Area, and the city plans to turn it into an international trade center, manufacturing base and service hub for the general aviation industry in southwestern China, Li said.

Selecting the locations for the 100 takeoff and landing points is a challenge, Li added. "It will take a lot of effort to map out the 100 points," Li said.

"The construction of the 100 takeoff and landing points will be expected to be included in the Chongqing government's 13th Five Year Plan in 2015," Li said.

Contact the writers at jijin@chinadaily.com.cn and luowangshu@chinadaily.com.cn.

(China Daily 06/16/2014 page7)