A Caihong series unmanned aerial vehicle developed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. [Photo/taizhou.com.cn]

The Taizhou Bay General Airport is set to begin construction in October and will be put into use in 2021, according to local media reports.

It will mainly be used for the test flying of drones and will offer emergency mapping, maritime cruises, maritime emergency treatment, and low-altitude sightseeing, among other things.

The airport, with an investment of 530 million yuan ($76.8 million), will occupy an area of more than 360 mu (24 hectares) and will include a 1,200-meter-long and 30-meter-wide taxiway, eight stands for large UAVs, six stands for sports fixed-wing aircrafts and six stands for helicopters as well as supporting facilities such as a tower building and a meteorological station. 

The airport[s establishment is expected to inject new impetus into the city's general aviation industry.

The unmanned aerial vehicle CH-4, or "Caihong (Rainbow) 4", developed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, rolled off the line in Taizhou Bay New Area on July 14.

With a total investment of 2.1 billion yuan, a general aviation industrial park funded by Beihang University (Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics) to produce Long-eagle series drones also started construction in June.

Next, the local authorities plan to bring in qualified aviation operators and aircraft models such as helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to carry out license training. 

They will also strive to design and develop general aircraft by partnering with related research organs in an effort to become an R&D and innovation hub for general aviation in East China.