The construction of a regional aviation hub in western China and an aviation center facing towards Arab States can be combined together in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, said Wang Zhiqing, vice director of Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), on May 13.

Being a pivotal point along the ancient Silk Road, Ningxia is also of great significance in the current “Silk and Road” Initiative, said Wang. Serving as a bridge connecting China with Arab States, Ningxia has geological advantages in building up an aerial Silk Road, he added. Boasting various tourism resources, rich minerals and energy sources, Ningxia enjoys a prospective aviation industry, he said. Wang suggested that Ningxia should improve the radiating capacities of surrounding airports, foster international aerial transportation market and explore more international air routes. He also expressed that the CAAC will support the aviation development in Ningxia in air routes exploration and new technology application.

Over the past few years, the Yinchuan Hedong International Airport, together with airports in Zhongwei and Guyuan, has promoted economic development in Ningxia. Until now, Ningxia has launched 62 air routes connecting the autonomous region with 58 cities both home and abroad.