A rendering of the Hangzhou Aviation Economic Demonstration Zone in Xiaoshan district, Hangzhou. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

The Hangzhou Aviation Economic Demonstration Zone held a major project commencement ceremony on Aug 30, with the spotlight on the groundbreaking of the Phase II International Cargo Terminal at Hangzhou International Airport.

This new facility will extend the functionality of the existing terminal, focusing on custom-built facilities for major clients. Once operational, the Phase II terminal, alongside Phase I, will support the airport's annual handling capacity of 800,000 metric tons of international cargo.

The Phase II project, with a total investment of 700 million yuan ($98.56 million), will cover an area of 52,000 square meters and feature a building area of 64,000 square meters. Located near the runway, cargo station, and bonded logistics center, the terminal will leverage its prime position to enhance the integration of port, bonded, and cross-border functions. This will accelerate the airport's development as a leading national aviation logistics hub and a global distribution center for express and cross-border e-commerce.

The International Cargo Terminal is crucial for enhancing logistical efficiency. Phase I, launched a year ago, saw a 65.26-percent increase in business in the first half of this year.

To further boost Hangzhou's international competitiveness, the city is in the process of establishing a comprehensive bonded zone at the airport, with the International Cargo Terminal as a core component. The combined advantages of the bonded zone and airport will foster innovation, integrate functions, and achieve seamless "zone-airport" operations.