China Eastern Airlines has agreed to invest RMB352 million ($52 million) in the construction of the new Hefei Xinqiao International Airport in eastern China.

The airline signed a letter of intent with the Anhui Civil Airport Group on 21 December to contribute to the project, says China Eastern.

"The project consists of constructing an aircraft services and maintenance area, an air freight transportation area, a comprehensive security area and an aviation catering area," it adds.

Hefei currently has one airport, Hefei Luogang International, which serves mostly domestic destinations.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news