China to invest $12b in civil aviation projects this year

China will allocate about 77 billion yuan ($11.7 billion) for investment in civil aviation this year, beginning with 11 key projects, as the country looks to improve infrastructure to cope with surging air-travel demand and bolster economic growth.

The country also will begin 52 aviation-related expansion or upgrading projects this year, and a blueprint for new airports to be built by 2030 will be launched later this year by the Civil Aviation Administration of China and the National Development and Reform Commission. China’s chief civil aviation regulator said the agency will help domestic and international airlines start more than 200 new overseas routes this year.

The figures and comments, reported Monday by the official China Daily newspaper, were confirmed over the phone by a representative at CAAC’s media relations office. CAAC declined to make available a copy of the full work report, dated Dec. 24, or identify the new projects or upgrades slated for this year.

China is building airports to cater to booming air-travel demand as the country’s middle class grows. With recent data showing anemic economic growth, infrastructure investment also offers a familiar way for authorities to shore up the economy.