Shanghai started construction today on its first private airport for small jets.

The Shanghai Airport Authority officially began work on the project at Hongqiao International Airport this morning. The private airport will serve business jets, Xinmin Evening News reported today.

The first phase of construction is based on demand of 6,000 flights annually.

The report said the authority is funding the project, but did not say how much the airport will cost.

A 3,000-square-meter terminal, a 5,000-square-meter hangar as well as a parking apron capable of serving three private jets will be completed in the second half of next year.

Shanghai's two civil airports – Pudong and Hongqiao – served about 2,000 private flights last year. Both airports are expected to serve 10 to 15 percent more private flights annually, the report said.

A joint company by the Shanghai Airport Authority and Australia-based Hawker Pacific Aerospace will be responsible for the new airport's daily operation, the newspaper said.

It will also provide visitors to World Expo 2010 Shanghai more transport choices.