3 airlines to do 3rd test flight at Daxing airport

China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines and China United Airlines are expected to participate in Beijing Daxing International Airport's third test flight on Sept 17, Beijing Daily reported on Thursday.

Boeing 777, Boeing 737, Airbus 330 and Airbus 321 planes from the three companies will carry out the test flight.

China United Airlines will be the only carrier at the new airport during the initial period of time from Sept 30, when the airport is scheduled to open, until Oct 26, and the company will move its flights and routes to Daxing airport from Beijing Nanyuan Airport.

China United Airlines is a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Eastern. After transferring, the company will focus on developing tourism routes, and gradually open new international routes to Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asian countries.

Beijing Nanyuan Airport, built in 1910, is China's first airport. Last year, the number of flight takeoffs and landings had reached 44,468, with passenger throughput at 6.51 million and cargo throughput at 25,100 tons.

By Tuesday, 61,863 passengers had bought tickets to depart or land at Daxing airport, with the most trips concentrated during the weeklong National Day holiday from Oct 1 to 7. The hottest destinations for passengers are Yantai, Chengdu, Urumchi, Guangzhou, Weihai, Hengyang and Xiangyang.