Beijing International Airport to test Olympic readiness

14 Sep 2007  2045 | Cambodia Travel News

Olympians and spectators going to the Beijing 2008 Olympics will be greeted by 'world-class' facilities upon arrival at Beijing International Airport.

China has announced it anticipates seeing 60.6 million passengers pass through its Beijing Capital International Airport by the time it hosts the Olympic Games in 2008.

"We actually have just a few months to prepare for the influx of Olympic visitors in July-August," said Li Xiaomei, spokeswoman for the airport management. "Large international airports usually take six to eight months to go through testing and trial period."

Under the plan, announced by Li, all preparatory work will be completed by February 28, with test events and drills held from March 1 to June 30, 2008.

"The trial run will help airport staff to hone their skills and improve service quality before July when the Olympic visitors will start arriving," Li was quoted by China Daily.

In anticipation of the large volume of baggage that will accompany Olympians and visitors coming to the Games, airport authorities have installed a new US$2.4 billion luggage system. "Passengers will even be able to check in their luggage one day ahead of their flight."

The system will not only be able to handle up to 19,200 pieces per hour, more than three times the volume being handled presently, but there will be about 200 CCTV monitors to track luggage movements.

A feature of the new system, said Li, is its five-grade security scanning system to detect explosives, and allowing luggage up to 1mX85cmX85cm to be checked in.

Airport authorities also announced that improvements will be made in the general management, security, information system and human resources at the new terminal building.

Airport authorities have, however, cited service quality may be affected by the lack of experience by airport staff trying to cope with a large number of passengers in a short period of time.

Passengers will be able to get into Beijing city center in 20 minutes by using the light rail system in addition to the airport expressway, while its unmanned internal transport system will provide transport between the two terminals.

"While the new terminal at Beijing International will bring new challenges, it will feature world-class facilities, and also be a source of pride for the Chinese people," said Li.
 
Sourced: eTN Daily

Recommended Cambodia Tours

Cambodia Day Tours

Cambodia Day Tours

Angkor Temple Tours

Angkor Temple Tours

Cambodia Classic Tours

Cambodia Classic Tours

Promotion Tours

Promotion Tours

Adventure Tours

Adventure Tours

Cycling Tours

Cycling Tours