Shanghai Hongqiao was recently recognized by the National Development and Reform Committee and the Civil Aviation Administration of China as the country's leading provider for aviation services.

Hongqiao will serve as a demonstration zone for the development of China's aviation economy, striving to become an international hub boasting global aviation enterprises.

Hongqiao International Airport. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Last year the Hongqiao Central Business District (CBD) launched its 13th Five-Year Plan, according to which the eastern area of Hongqiao is aimed to become a world-class cluster for aviation companies and aviation service organizations.

In 2016, Shanghai became China's first city to top 100 million air passengers, and the world's fifth to reach the same milestone following Atlanta, London, New York and Tokyo.

The Hongqiao International Airport in Shanghai has maintained steady growth in passenger throughput, aircraft movements and cargo traffic throughout the year.

Inside Hongqiao International Airport. [Photo provided to China Daily]

To date, airlines headquartered at the newly established aviation demonstration zone in Hongqiao, with most flights operating from Hongqiao International Airport, account for 60 percent of the total airlines currently headquartered in Shanghai.

Covering half of the total area of the demonstration zone, the airport has gathered more than 100 aviation enterprises engaged in administration, sales, passenger transport, airfreight, maintenance, security, ticket distribution and other general aviation services.