China picks US$16b worth of aviation projects for private investment

China said Thursday it would encourage private investment in 28 airport, drone and maintenance projects worth a total of CNY110b, as part of its efforts to make the sector more globally competitive. Eleven of those projects already have private investors, such as the Ezhou cargo airport in Hubei province that Chinese courier S.F. Holding is investing in, the CAAC said along with the National Development and Reform Commission. The remaining 17, which include a flight training school, drone delivery projects and some support services for Beijing's new airport, are seeking private funding. Beijing had said in January that it would ease investment access to its aviation industry while retaining its grip over key airlines and airports in sensitive regions. <br/>