Chengdu Xinjin Airport
Overview
Xinjing Airport is located in Xinjing District, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China. It was first established in 1928 and was later designated as an Air Force base at the beginning of the Second Sino-Japanese War (the War of Resistance Against Japan). Originally built to serve the military, Xinjing Airport became a key strategic site for the Chinese Nationalist government during the war.
Key Information:
- Name: Xinjing Airport (新津机场)
- Location: Xinjing District, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China
- Area: 1,000 acres
- Established: 1928
- Coordinates: 30°25′13.25″N, 103°50′41.88″E
- ICAO Code: ZUXJ
- Elevation: 460 meters
- Runway Length: Originally 2,600 meters, later shortened to 1,200 meters after being converted to a civil aviation academy
- Runway Width: Originally 60 meters, reduced to 30 meters after conversion to a civil aviation academy
- Runway Material: Concrete
Historical Background
Early Development
In 1928, the 24th Army Commander Liu Wenhui (刘文辉) of the Kuomintang (KMT) decided to construct Xinjing Airport for the establishment of the air force. To build the airport, a plot of 1,000 acres of farmland in the old town area of Xinjing was demolished. This marked the inception of the airport.
In early 1939, the National Government of the Republic of China ordered the Sichuan Provincial Government to expand Xinjing Airport for the first time. Over 100,000 workers were mobilized from 16 counties including Xinjing, Wenjiang, Pixian, Xinfan, Qionglai, Pujiang, and Shuangliu, totaling an area of 3,292 acres of land. The airport’s construction involved extending the runway and building hangars. The expansion project commenced in May 1939 and was completed in February 1940.
Expansion During World War II
The Pacific War began in December 1941, and Allied forces quickly sought to establish airbases across Asia. General Stilwell and Brigadier General Chennault, both supportive of China’s war efforts, urged the US president to expedite the construction of airbases to deploy hundreds of heavy bombers for direct strikes on Japan.
On February 6, 1943, the head of the United States Army Air Forces, General Arnold, secretly visited Chongqing for 34 days. After discussions with Chiang Kai-shek, agreements were made to build bomber bases in the Chengdu region, including Xinjing, Qionglai, Pengshan, and Guanghan, as well as fighter bases in Chengdu, Deyang, and Wenjiang.
In early 1943, the Sichuan Provincial Government, under orders from the highest levels of the KMT, mobilized 220,000 laborers from 22 counties to expand Xinjing Airport. The bulk of the funding for the expansion came from US aid to China. New facilities included a primary runway, two secondary runways, three large fuel depots, two radio stations, six ammunition depots, a hangar for 35 B-29 bombers, several camouflage hangars, a mechanical factory, power plants, and six guesthouses, ultimately expanding the airport to almost 10,000 acres.
Strategic Importance During World War II
By mid-1943, the newly expanded Xinjing Airport became the largest bomber base in Asia. On its opening, the first B-29 heavy bomber safely landed there after completing a strategic mission over the Hump (the Himalayas). The 14th Air Force of the United States stationed 297 personnel at the base, with aircraft equipped with anti-aircraft artillery, radar, and ground communications.
During the spring of 1944, P-38 and P-61 fighter planes, including the famous “Black Widow” (黑寡妇), were stationed at Xinjing Airport. These aircraft played a key role in securing the airspace and fighting Japanese forces, whose planes would often retreat at the sight of the “Black Widow.” US bombers frequently launched attacks from Xinjing Airport, bombing Japanese artillery bases, munitions depots, and other targets.
One of the most significant operations launched from Xinjing Airport was the Mathews Plan. On June 15, 1944, the 58th Bombardment Squadron launched 75 B-29 bombers from Xinjing and other nearby airfields to bomb the Yahata Imperial Steel Works in Japan. This marked one of the first large-scale bombing raids against Japanese industrial sites, receiving widespread media coverage as a major victory for the Allies.
Post-War Era
After the war, Xinjing Airport continued to serve military and strategic purposes. On December 13, 1949, Chiang Kai-shek departed from the airport on a special flight to Taiwan, marking a significant moment in Chinese history.
In 1950, the Southwest Military Region’s Air Command Air Transport Team (which later became the 13th Air Force) was formed at Xinjing Airport, primarily tasked with airlifting troops and supplies for military operations in Tibet. The base also served as a training ground for aerial maneuvers and high-altitude transport.
Civil Aviation Era
In 1956, with approval from top Chinese leaders such as Zhou Enlai and Liu Shaoqi, Xinjing Airport, along with Guanghan Airport, was transferred to the newly established Civil Aviation Flight Academy of China, marking its transition from military use to civil aviation. This change allowed the airport to focus on training civil aviation pilots and supporting the development of China’s air transport industry.
Current Status
Today, Xinjing Airport is operated as part of the Civil Aviation Flight University of China (中国民航飞行学院), which was established in 1957. The university’s Xinjing branch occupies over 4,000 acres of land and houses a fleet of 36 aircraft across 4 different models, as well as 6 flight simulators for training purposes. The airport is primarily used for training civil aviation students and supports China’s growing aviation industry.
Key Features:
- Aircraft: 36 aircraft across 4 different types
- Simulators: 6 flight simulators for training
- Training Resources: Comprehensive flight resources and educational capabilities
How to Get There
By Air:
The nearest major airport to Xinjing Airport is Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (成都双流国际机场). From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to Xinjing, which is approximately 45 kilometers away.
By Train:
Xinjing is well connected by train to Chengdu. You can take a train from Chengdu Railway Station or Chengdu East Railway Station to Xinjing Station. The travel time is typically around 1-1.5 hours.
By Road:
From Chengdu, take Sichuan Provincial Highway S103 to reach Xinjing. The journey by car typically takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic conditions.
