While China’s development will surely change the world, China’s aviation industry can still learn from others in the industry, according to Kelly Hu, Senior Executive Officer of Houston AirportSystems.
” I believe without hesitation that China’s model of operation, in the process of interacting with the world model, will influence and change the world,” said Hu addressing local and international leaders from airlines, airports and the tourism sectors at the Civil Aviation Forum held in Chengdu, China in mid- November.
” However, without changing its characteristic path, China can still learn from others in the aviation industry,” she said while pointing to friendship agreement between Chengdu and Houston based on their respective geographical positions in China and the US and similar sized economies.
Chengdu, the central city in western China is the aviation hub for the region while Houston, has the sixth largest air hub in world, comprised of George Bush International, William Hobby and Ellington Field Airports.
Both cities have ambitious plans for their airports. At GBI, Houston has completed a US$3.9 billion project, which included the construction of a 5th terminal, a 5th ILS III parallel runway and a brand new cargo centre.
Similarly Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport has approval for a 12.7 billion RMB (US$1.72 billion) project to construct a second runway and another terminal. Two years ago, with support of the US Consulate, Chengdu and Houston signed a cooperative agreement. Since then both parties have made mutual visits and in October of 2007 formed a training programme for Sichuan Provincial Airport’s managerial personnel. GBI has also provided management training for over 80 Chinese airports.
Other areas of potential cooperation and training include, development of airport hubs, enhancement of work processes, cargo logistics, partnering with airlines and the tourism/manufacturing sector, ” Chinese people need to visit, know and understand airports outside of China. Recently a colleague from Guangzhou commented after visiting Houston, ” today’s Houston Airport is tomorrow’s Guangzhou” . – Brian Thomson