Core Viewpoint - The construction of an airport in the small city of Hegang, known for its low housing prices, is seen as a step towards enhancing regional balance and improving transportation convenience for residents returning home [1][10]. Group 1: Airport Development and Economic Impact - Hegang is set to build the Luobei Airport, aiming for operational status by 2027, which is part of the national "14th Five-Year" civil aviation development plan [1][6]. - The airport is designed to handle an annual passenger throughput of 450,000 and a cargo throughput of 1,600 tons, categorized as a 4C airport suitable for medium-sized aircraft like the Boeing 737 [6][7]. - The construction of the airport is expected to improve local transportation infrastructure, integrating Hegang into a broader economic zone and enhancing its connectivity with major cities [10][12]. Group 2: Challenges and Considerations - Small cities like Hegang face challenges in maintaining sufficient passenger flow for airports, often competing with other transportation modes [2][3]. - The airport's projected passenger capacity of 450,000 may necessitate financial subsidies, as the break-even point for airport operations typically requires 1.5 to 2 million passengers annually [20][21]. - Local residents express mixed feelings about the airport, citing concerns over potential financial burdens and the adequacy of passenger traffic given the proximity to existing airports [9][21]. Group 3: Broader Trends in Civil Aviation - As of 2024, there are 186 airports in China with annual passenger throughput below 2 million, representing 70.7% of all airports, but only accounting for 6.2% of total passenger volume [3][4]. - The Chinese government plans to increase the number of civil transport airports to over 270 by 2025, with significant investments in infrastructure [19]. - Airports are recognized for their potential to stimulate local economies, with airport-adjacent cities experiencing higher GDP growth compared to their surrounding areas [21][22]. Group 4: Industry Opportunities - Hegang is actively pursuing industrial transformation, particularly in tourism and graphite production, which could benefit from improved air transport [15][18]. - The local graphite industry, with significant reserves, is positioned to meet the growing demand from sectors like aerospace and energy storage, potentially leveraging the new airport for cargo transport [15][18]. - The airport's development aligns with broader regional transportation plans, enhancing Hegang's appeal for tourism and investment [12][19].