Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport has completed a series of calibration flights for its long-awaited third runway, clearing a major hurdle before the facility enters service later this year.
The 20-day operation concluded on August 3 with a B-129X calibration aircraft safely touching down after assessing key navigation, lighting, and approach systems.
The third runway has been constructed to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)'s top 4F standard, allowing it to handle the world's largest jets, including the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8.
Calibration flights are a critical step before any new runway opens, ensuring that guidance systems and flight procedures function according to international safety standards. According to the Flight Inspection Center of CAAC (CFI), 16 separate systems were tested, including the instrument landing system, airfield lighting, and taxiway operations.
Authorities said the next stage will involve further trial flights, inspections, and final approvals before the runway is commissioned by the end of the year.