In the early morning of August 3, a calibration aircraft with registration number B-129X touched down smoothly, marking the successful completion of the 20-day flight calibration campaign for Shenzhen Airport’s third runway. This achievement lays a solid foundation for the subsequent final acceptance inspection, test flights, industry approval, and operational launch within the year.

Flight calibration is a prerequisite for the official operation of a new runway. It involves the use of specialized calibration aircraft equipped with professional systems to inspect and test relevant navigation and safety systems, ensuring flight safety. The calibration of Shenzhen Airport’s third runway covered 16 items, including the Instrument Landing System (ILS), airfield ground lighting system, runway and taxiway system, and flight procedures. The Flight Inspection Center of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) assigned an experienced calibration crew to carry out the mission. Under the guidance of the CAAC Central and Southern Regional Administration and the CAAC Shenzhen Safety Supervision and Administration Bureau, Shenzhen Airport worked in close coordination with the CAAC Flight Inspection Center and the CAAC Shenzhen Air Traffic Management Station. Together, they overcame challenges such as a tight schedule, heavy workload, and adverse weather conditions, accomplishing the calibration task efficiently and successfully.

The completion of the flight calibration marks another major milestone in the construction of Shenzhen Airport’s third runway, following the illumination of the airfield ground lighting system at the end of May. It demonstrates that the new runway and taxiway system, along with related navigation aids, lighting systems, and flight procedures, are now operational.

The third runway project at Shenzhen Airport is a national major project and a key initiative of Guangdong Province. Located between the second runway and the Yanjiang Expressway, the new runway runs parallel to the west of the second runway. It measures 3,600 meters in length and 45 meters in width, and is constructed as a highest-category 4F-class airfield capable of handling all large aircraft. Since the official start of construction, Shenzhen Airport has accelerated progress in accordance with the requirements of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee and Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government. Critical milestones, including the completion of the main runway, activation of airfield lighting, pre-acceptance inspection, and flight calibration, have all been achieved ahead of schedule.