China will build its first permanent airfield in Antarctica as Beijing is planning to expand its influence in the polar region. The official Science and Technology Daily reported on Sunday that the 1,500-metre airstrip would be placed on an ice cap in the east of the continent.
The report revealed that the airfield would serve as a foundation for designing multiplane services, operating large aircraft, as well as developing an Antarctic air traffic network in the future. China currently has only one fixed-wing plane flying to Antarctica, but its researchers on the polar region want to have their independent logistics so that it can support their work.
An insider also claimed that China's plan to build a permanent airstrip might connect scientific research to the Antarctic strategy of the country. That only means, the insider added, China might have a say in the international management of Antarctic airspace.
According to the South China Morning Post, it would take about a few years before finally completing the permanent airfield - including the terminal - as loose snow on the location should be compacted first to build the airstrip. Over the past years, researchers analyzed the glacier movement and gathered weather data before deciding on which location they should pick.
And as soon as the airfield is done and running, it will allow China to have valuable experience in operating the polar region airfield - including navigation, weather forecast, ground services, and runway maintenance.
However, the airfield will initially allow only one aircraft, and it would be Xue Ying 601 (Snow Hawk). The aircraft is using the airfield of Russia as its home base in Antarctica at the moment. In 2011, China acquired the aircraft and refitted it using scientific research equipment tailor-made for missions in Antarctica, and then began service in 2013.
The aircraft can hold up to 18 passengers, with a flying distance of 3,440km. But, since it has a limited range, it needs to have its first stop at Britain's Rothera Research Station, and then, it will have a couple more stops while crossing the continent before finally reaching Russia's Progress Station - the nearest to Zhongshan.
Previously, China built two temporary airfields in Antarctica - Kunlun, and Taishan - in addition to its two permanent stations Zhongshan and Great Wall. Meanwhile, 15 countries have already built over 50 permanent airfields or skyways in Antarctica: India, Japan, Belgium, South Africa, Norway, Argentina, Chile, Germany, Italy, France, New Zealand, Australia, Britain, Russia, and the United States.
