Beijing International Airport has started test flights on three new runways. The runways are expected to greatly enhance the airport's passenger capacity as visitor numbers continue to grow rapidly.
Three large Air China planes took to the skies at the same time from the three new runways.
An Air China Boeing 747, a Boeing 777, and an Airbus 340 each took two test flights in China's first simultaneous test on three runways. Currently, only US airports run on a multi-runway operation model.
Gao Dianbang, chief pilot of Air China,said, "The test flights were very successful. The three planes can simultaneously take off and land without affecting each other. This will greatly enhance flight capacity."
The test flights also show that the runway surfaces and navigational equipment are all up to standard. The three new runways will be put into operation late next month.
