A new radar traffic control system has been put into operation in Beijing flight zone from January 15, 2001 on. Known as the most sophisticated type for air traffic control, it represents another significant move by CAAC North China Air Control Bureau for increased flight capacity and safety since a radar control system was put to use in the terminal area of Beijing December 30, 1997.

Radar traffic control is a new modern method having been popularly used in developed countries to ensure a fine air traffic order. Fast economic growth has already brought a 15% /year increase in Beijing's air flight. Airplanes flying in and out of Beijing Capital International Airport have reached 640 a day, making it the busiest in Asia, with a control area of over 800 airplanes a day, and as many as over 846 planes as the highest.

On account of an obsolete aviation control system failing to keep up with the rapidly growing heavy air traffic, North China Air Control Bureau had state-of-art radar control system introduced in the terminal area. With a cost of 200 million yuan, the system has come to boast a multi-radar coverage of over 300,000 square meters in area and have room for a wide radar control system to be built throughout China. The system can not only ease the heavy air traffic and be run with expanded flight capacity and improved safety, it will also play a due part in contribution to the upcoming Universiade 2001 and Beijing's bid for the 2008 Olympic Games.

(People's Daily 01/16/01)