Tech Advances Soar at Chongqing's Airport

Chongqing - Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, one of the dual cores in the Chengdu-Chongqing world-class airport cluster, is accelerating the construction of its T3B terminal and the fourth runway. The airport aims to set new standards and promote nationwide by introducing cutting-edge technologies such as a suspended monorail transit system and electric vehicle swapping stations on the airside.

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport. (Photo/Zhou Xiaoshi)

Recently, the airside electric vehicle swapping station was officially put into operation, marking a groundbreaking achievement in China's civil aviation. This innovation transitions airport support to new energy vehicles from a "charging mode" to an efficient "swapping mode," reducing single energy supply time by over 80%.

Peng Jianjun, Assistant to the Head of the Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, highlighted the impact. "The energy supply time for luggage tractors has been shortened from one hour to just five minutes, significantly enhancing operational efficiency while greatly improving safety and stability," he said.

The T3B terminal introduces a customized suspended monorail system, a first in global airport rapid transit. This system will facilitate rapid connections between T3B and T3A terminals, employing fully automated and autonomous driving technology that adapts its configuration based on flight schedules and passenger volumes.

"The first prototype is expected to roll off the line by the end of January 2024, with the entire rail system operational by July and full electrification completed by October, entering the testing phase. The system is set to operate in the first half of 2025, allowing passengers to traverse from T3A to T3B in just around three minutes," Peng disclosed the construction schedule.

The airside electric vehicle swapping station was put into operation at the airport. (Photo/Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport)

Upon completing the T3B terminal and the fourth runway, Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport will boast four runways, catering to an annual passenger of 80 million, handling 580,000 takeoffs and landings, and facilitating a cargo volume of 1.2 million tons. This expansion will further bolster the airport's role as an international hub, driving the establishment of the Chengdu-Chongqing world-class airport cluster and the development of the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle.  

As a key outward passageway for Chongqing, Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport currently serves over 100 international and regional routes, which is crucial in establishing an inland open gateway and international logistics hub.