Shanghai, a charming city full of energy, is like a glittering pearl at the connection of Chinese coastal economic development belt and Yangtze Economic Development Belt. As an important gateway in China and a bridge connecting the outer world, Shanghai is the first city in China with two international airports.
To satisfy the needs of the operation of 'One City, Two Airports', Shanghai Airport Authority was established officially in February, 1998 upon the approval of Shanghai Municipal People's Government as a result of an important reform on the management of Shanghai airports. From then on, both Hongqiao International Airport and Pudong International Airport are under the uniform management and operation of Shanghai Airport Authority.
Currently, Shanghai airports have more than 160 domestic and foreign city connections while more than 60 foreign and domestic airlines operate scheduled flights to Shanghai. Shanghai airports continue to take the lead in mainland China in respecting to 3 major operational indexes. More significantly, the freight volume at Pudong International Airport made it ranked 6th among the world airports. In 2002, Upon the approval of CAAC, all the international flights and regional flights going in and out of Shanghai were shifted to Pudong International Airport. While Hongqiao Airport mainly accommodates domestic flights and remains the backup function for international flights and regional flights.
Safe operations are maintained, thus making 2006 the 7th safe year for Shanghai airports, the 19th safe year for Hongqiao airport, and Pudong airport honored 'Jinding Cup' ----- the top award in national airport safety ensuring. Airport services are improving, the degree of satisfaction from passengers in the two airports continue to lead in domestic airports on mainland. In the national poll of “Passengers talking about civil airlines”, Pudong airport won once more “Customers’ satisfaction excellence award” in the group of airports with passenger throughput of 10 million person times and above. Also, Pudong International Airport was entitled “International Hygienic Airport” by WHO.
