What is it about?

The article discusses China's airport projects in Africa. China has not prioritised its own commercial air links between Africa and China. This is an unusual pattern of overseas involvement in African aviation, but matches China's long-standing investment in infrastructure in Africa.

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Why is it important?

The article consolidates scattered information about China's expenditure on airports in Africa. It points to the geography of this investment, and raises questions about the business and geopolitics of airport provision.

Perspectives

So much research on African aviation is about airlines and air routes. More studies are needed of the airports from which they operate, and which enable flight. Inquiries are especially necessary as African aviation grows in importance for freight and low cost carriers, and as international airlines and manufacturers seek new markets. All airports are major users of land user at urban fringes, and are often sites of land use and environmental dispute.

Professor Gordon H Pirie
University of Cape Town

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This page is a summary of: China and aviation in Africa: context, thrust, novelty, African Geographical Review, April 2019, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/19376812.2019.1599294.
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