Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport signed a cooperation agreement with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on Jan 10, becoming the first airport in China to establish a strategic partnership with the organization. 

This also marked another key move by the airport towards becoming a world-class aviation hub. The Civil Aviation Administration of China announced earlier that the airport was among the first set of smart airport demonstration projects.

The contract-signing ceremony is held on Jan 10 in Guangzhou. [Photo/ycwb.com]

The two parties will work together in two areas—luggage services and passenger experience.

After becoming an IATA strategic partner, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport will be able to learn about the latest technological applications and development trends from the global aviation community by participating in annual IATA summits, working group meetings and other activities.

According to Conrad Clifford, regional vice president of IATA in the Asia Pacific, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is the first of its kind in China and North Asia to forge a strategic partnership with IATA. The airport will be able to participate directly in international market promotion and the discussion and formulation of international aviation rules. It will also have an opportunity to share its experiences and practices with global peers.

Conrad Clifford, regional vice president of IATA in the Asia Pacific, is interviewed by local media outlets after the contract-signing ceremony on Jan 10. [Photo/ycwb.com]

In recent years, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has been simplifying procedures and making travel more convenient under IATA guidance. As of 2018, the airport had 280 self-service check-in stations, 55 self-service baggage stations, 45 self-service plane-boarding channels, and 75 self-service entry and exit channels. It also led the country in the implementation of QR code boarding. 

In the future, the airport will continue exploring and applying new technology to meet the demands of passengers and improve the management of the airport.

Smart robots are installed at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to provide assistance to travellers. [Photo/ycwb.com]