BEIJING - China is ready to invest 77 billion yuan ($11.9 billion) this year in the construction of civil aviation infrastructure, particularly airports, the country's chief civil aviation regulator said on Wednesday.

The country will begin with 11 key construction projects and 52 aviation-related upgrades, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

"The general aviation sector, especially aircraft research and manufacturing, has became a hot spot of both industrial upgrading and social concern," said Feng Zhenglin, head of the CAAC.

The aviation sector will get preferential treatment to improve transportation, foster new growth engines, and boost employment and the service sector, according to a statement released on Wednesday after a State Council executive meeting.