1.Shanghai’s key achievements in building an All-round Gateway-type Composite International Aviation Hub
First, significant progress has been made in infrastructure expansion and the coordinated development of Shanghai’s multi-airport system. The city continues to enhance its hub capabilities through major projects such as the fourth-phase expansion of Pudong Airport. Notably, the construction of the Terminal 3 began in November 2024, with a designed capacity of 50 million passengers. By 2035, Shanghai’s airports are projected to handle 220 million passengers and 7.4 million tons of cargo annually. Currently, Shanghai boasts a well-integrated multi-airport system centered around Pudong and Hongqiao international airports. The city’s annual passenger throughput has surpassed 100 million, while cargo volumes exceed 4 million tons, placing Shanghai among the world’s leading aviation hubs. Substantial progress has also been made in developing a cross-regional multi-airport system. The Eastern Hub project, based on Shanghai’s East Railway Station, is advancing rapidly, and the Airport Link Line commenced operations at the end of 2024, further enhancing air-rail transport efficiency.
Second, the accessibility and service level of Shanghai’s international route network have seen consistent growth. The international flights from the Shanghai International Aviation Hub have recovered to 95% of pre-pandemic levels, surpassing the national average by 7 percentage points. The hub now connects to 113 international destinations across 48 countries. In the first three quarters of 2024, inbound and outbound passenger traffic exceeded 25 million, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 112%. New international routes, such as the Pudong-Marseille service, have been launched, and flight connections along the Belt and Road have expanded. The domestically produced C919 aircraft has completed 4,288 flights based in Shanghai, transporting over 580,000 passengers. Shanghai Aviation Port has achieved a 10% reduction in logistics costs and improved efficiency by more than 6 hours through the development of smart cargo terminals and air transport systems. In addition, strengthening coordination mechanisms and fostering global cooperation have been prioritized to further elevate the hub’s influence. At the 2024 North Bund Forum, the “Multi-party Joint Coordination Strategic Cooperation Agreement on the Joint Construction of Shanghai’s All-round Gateway-type Composite International Aviation Hub” was signed. Over 250 domestic and international organizations discussed digital development, and the China Airport Development Index 2024 and other achievements were unveiled. Moreover, the Port of Shanghai and the Port of Hamburg have jointly established a green corridor, and Shanghai has maintained its position among the top three international shipping centers globally for five consecutive years.
Third, digital transformation is driving the development of smart civil aviation benchmarks. Shanghai pioneered the implementation of a ‘5G + digital twin’ smart aviation hub, establishing the Airport Brain Laboratory and the Innovation Academy for Elite Engineers, making operational conditions visible and controllable. The Terminal 3 in Pudong has integrated artificial intelligence (AI) to enable full-process self-service, allowing passengers to customize their journey from inquiry to check-in, security checks, and beyond through smart terminals. The international departure hall features a “flying bird” digital twin landscape, further enhancing the passenger experience. China Eastern Airlines has launched a digital pilot health management platform, while Shanghai Airport Group introduced a baggage tracking system to streamline operations. The “Shanghai Airport Brain-Multimodal Decision-making Intelligent Body,” unveiled at the 2024 North Bund Forum, has set a new industry standard and become a model for innovation.
Fourth, the Shanghai airport system is at the forefront of green and low-carbon transformation practices. The Shanghai Airport Community has set an ambitious goal to reduce carbon emissions by 1 million tons during the 16th Five-Year Plan period, aiming to achieve this transformation by expanding the use of new energy equipment and establishing an efficient energy system. The Terminal 3 in Pudong features an energy-saving design, with skylight lighting in the international departure hall reducing energy consumption. Sustainable fuels are being actively promoted in the aviation sector, with the first commercial application delivered in 2024. Furthermore, Shanghai Port and Hamburg Port have jointly developed a green shipping corridor. The city has completed the first ship-to-ship green methanol bunkering for an international vessel, while advancing the decarbonization process within the shipping industry.
Fifth, significant breakthroughs have been made in air-rail transport and the development of integrated transportation hub functions. The China Eastern Airlines Air-Rail Intermodal Transfer Service Center has been launched at the Hongqiao hub, offering a one-stop service for high-speed rail passengers to check in and check their luggage. Pudong Airport and the Eastern Hub are now connected by rail, achieving “air-rail transport" coverage throughout the Yangtze River Delta. The Terminal 3 features an innovative integrated design of dual main buildings and transportation hub, reducing passenger transfer periods to just 6-8.5 minutes. Additionally, the 90 contact stands, including 31 convertible stands — the largest size in China — support the goal of achieving all-round efficient operations.
Sixth, Shanghai is rapidly advancing in high-end shipping services and industrial ecosystem. The city has made significant breakthroughs in areas such as shipping finance and arbitration. For instance, the futures turnover of Shanghai Containerized Freight Index based on Settled Rates (SCFIS) (Europe service) exceeded 3.84 trillion yuan, making Shanghai the global leader in this sector. In 2024, the first foreign-related maritime temporary arbitration case was settled in the city, attracting foreign parties to move the arbitration seat from London to Shanghai. In addition, Shanghai supports high-end aviation manufacturing, with 16 C919 aircraft delivered and a large-scale operation system established. The domestic cruise ship Adora Magic City has served over 300,000 passengers, boasting a satisfaction rate of 95%.
2. Shanghai’s comprehensive efforts to bolster the capabilities of its international shipping center, aligning with and advancing the strategic goals of the ‘Five Centers’

First, Shanghai will enhance the role as a global shipping hub and enhance its capacity to support the development of the international economic center. Shanghai will further improve its shipping-aviation dual hub infrastructure network, accelerating the comprehensive development of the north side of Xiaoyangshan, the fourth-phase expansion of Pudong Airport, and other key projects. The city will also promote the second phase of the Shanghai-Nantong Railway and other logistics systems, building a multidimensional transportation network that connects “water, land, air, and rail.” By enhancing port facilities and expanding route networks, Shanghai will boost its influence across the Yangtze River Delta, the Yangtze River Economic Belt, and the Belt and Road, providing efficient logistics support for the international economic center. Additionally, Shanghai will deepen coordination with the Yangtze River Delta port alliance, optimizing international transit and coastal piggybacking policies. This will help establish key nodes in the global supply chain and solidify Shanghai’s role as a strategic link in China’s domestic and international dual circulation.
Second, Shanghai will deepen the integration of shipping with efforts on developing financial and trade centers to strengthen its global resource allocation capabilities. Leveraging its advantages as an international financial hub, Shanghai will focus on developing shipping financial derivatives (e.g. SCFIS futures), vessel financing and leasing, shipping insurance, and related sectors. The city aims to attract international shipping institutions and the headquarters of leading enterprises. In the trade sector, Shanghai will promote alignment between international shipping and global trade regulations, exploring the connection between digital settlement for cross-border trade and shipping logistics data, aiming to enhance the integrated service capabilities for shipping and trade. Furthermore, by developing a one-bill coverage system for multimodal transport, Shanghai will reduce the overall cost of cross-border trade and strengthen its influence over the pricing and allocation of global resources, including bulk commodities and high-end equipment.
Third, Shanghai will emphasize its leadership in scientific and technological innovation to support the digitalization and green transformation of the international shipping center. In alignment with its role as an international scientific and technological innovation hub, Shanghai will accelerate technological breakthroughs in areas such as smart ports, green ships, and the low-altitude economy, while advancing the use of blockchain and artificial intelligence in shipping and logistics operations. The city will support large-scale demonstration projects, such as intelligent heavy trucks and unmanned terminals at Yangshan Port, with the goal of establishing a world-leading “digital twin port.” Shanghai will also drive the development of clean energy refueling facilities for ships, including green methanol and liquefied natural gas (LNG), and enhance its carbon footprint monitoring systems. The city will explore a carbon trading mechanism for shipping that aligns with international standards, offering a “Shanghai Solution” for the low-carbon transformation of global shipping.
Fourth, Shanghai will enhance regional coordination and global cooperation mechanisms to strengthen its influence on international shipping rules. The city will deepen the integration of shipping in the Yangtze River Delta, establish a port group interest-sharing mechanism, and implement a standard mutual recognition system. Efforts will focus on promoting the interconnection and interoperability of shipping data throughout the Yangtze River Economic Belt. Leveraging platforms such as the North Bund Forum, Shanghai will actively participate in the development of international shipping regulations and work towards establishing branches of organizations like the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in the city. The city will also explore the creation of green corridors and digital waterways in collaboration with international shipping hubs such as Singapore and Hamburg, further promoting the global adoption of the “Shanghai Benchmark.” By strengthening strategic cooperation with international organizations, Shanghai will enhance its influence in global shipping governance and dispute resolution.
Fifth, Shanghai will build a symbiotic ecosystem between shipping and the city to contribute to the development of a modern, socialist and international metropolis. By upgrading its shipping functions, the city will drive significant improvements in urban vitality and capabilities. Leveraging key assets such as the Eastern Hub and North Bund, Shanghai will attract high-end service industries, including maritime legal services, consulting, and exhibitions, creating a virtuous cycle where shipping services drive industry upgrades and contributes to urban prosperity. Shanghai will also promote the integration of the cruise economy, airport economy, cultural tourism, and consumption, while fostering a vibrant waterfront space with global appeal. At the same time, the city will enhance a system to lure and cultivate international shipping talent, establish a public service platform for international shipping, and cultivate an open and inclusive shipping culture, in a bid to comprehensively elevate the city’s soft power.
The author is Zhang Xiaodi from Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences