Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), one of the world's busiest cargo hub, has unveiled the fourth phase of its expansion project which also contains plan for a new cargo area.

In a statement, PVG announced the groundbreaking for a raft of 82 major projects in the Pudong New Area in East China's Shanghai city on January 4 – with total investments valued at US$49.8 billion.

"The fourth phase of Pudong Airport's expansion project was launched in response to the Shanghai international shipping center construction plan during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25) and the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) integration development strategy," it said.

"It aims to accelerate the interconnection of the YRD region, serve consumer demand for high-quality travel and satisfy the development needs of Shanghai-based airlines," the hub added.

The fourth phase comprises six parts: a terminal area, flight zone, transport facilities, municipal engineering support facilities, a new eastern cargo area and auxiliary facilities.

After completion, upgrades are expected to contribute to Pudong Airport's goal of reaching annual passenger throughput of 130 million.

Although the hub has yet to name the operator of the planned new cargo area in the project, Shanghai Pudong International Airport Cargo Terminal (PACTL) currently runs three terminals at Shanghai Pudong. It is one of the largest single air cargo terminal operators worldwide.