China is set for a busy year in terms of local airport development. At the same time, it is extending its influence around the world, providing financing and development support for an array of projects. Most recently, it has signed an agreement for the construction of a new airport terminal at the VC Bird International Airport in Antigua, West Indies, with the Antigua and Barbuda government. While it has become commonplace to find Chinese companies bidding for, and winning air transport sector business in Africa, Asia, Europe and even in Latin America, ex-Colonial Commonwealth countries that still retain strong links with Britain would previously have opted for British, or at least Commonwealth, country firms to undertake the work.