Architect Unveils Innovative Design Concepts For New Baiyun International Airport (China)

1 August 2002

China Southern Airlines (NYSE: ZNH) (HKSE: 1055), the largest airline in The People's Republic of China is on tap to be the #1 airline "tenant" when the new Baiyun International Airport opens in October 2003.

During an in-depth interview, Mr. Derong Liu, Project Director of the new Baiyun International Airport for the Aviation Division of Parsons, provided his insight into what may be the most efficient, passenger-friendly civil airport complex in all of Asia.

The design of the new Baiyun International Airport was recognized as one of the best architecture designs in the United States for Year 2000 by the AIA - The American Institute of Architects. 

"The new airport in Guangzhou will be totally different from anyother airport in China and no airport in the world will have the amenities and services that this airport will have," said Mr. Liu.

From the initial drawings to next year's airport opening, meticulous attention to detail has been put into every facet of the design and construction of the new Baiyun International Airport.

Mr. Liu said that the new airport complex will be, "linked perfectly with downtown Guangzhou and has been designed to quickly move people - from plane to curbside and beyond. We have blended the best in American airport design concepts with Chinese practice."

One of the most innovative design concepts will be an International-standard convention center, 500-800-room hotel and exhibition center - all inside the airport terminal area.

"When we designed this new airport terminal, our goal was to be able to generate as much additional revenue for the airport as possible. By putting a major convention center, 3-5 star hotel and exhibition center … all steps away from arriving and departing aircraft, we can create a total experience for the business traveler. An arriving passenger can exit an aircraft, go downstairs, retrieve their luggage and be steps away from their plush hotel room, have a sumptuous dinner, go shopping and attend their convention … all without leaving the airport. This will generate substantial additional revenue for the airport management," said Mr. Liu.

He added that the new airport will be located some 22 kilometers from the current city airport and as Guangzhou residents come to the new Baiyun International Airport - they will arrive either via a high-speed Metro (currently under construction) or an ultramodern, three-lane freeway which is already open for use.

When departing passengers arrive at the airport via city freeway, they will choose from either a North or South curbside next to the main terminal building. "We have created 'smart' departure areas in which passengers will see the departure flight check-in information on the side of the building and will know instantly where they should drop off travelers," said Mr. Liu.

Passengers will then enter a massive central ticketing area - an average 60 meters away from the outside drop-off area. 

The new airport's central ticket area spans a mammoth 45,000 square meters. 

"According to the design requirements, by centralizing the ticketing function, the airport - rather than an individual airline - will be responsible for the departing passengers," said Mr. Liu. Once passengers pay airport departure taxes and cross over an elevated road bridge they will enter the security check area and go to the holding area for departing flights."

The ground floor will house additional commercial space and the lowest level - linked by elevator and escalator - will be the entrance to the Metro to downtown Guangzhou.

Since 1944, Parsons, has provided a wide range of services to government and private industry through its operating subsidiaries. Parsons is known for its complete range of services and diversity of skills. Parsons has the capabilities to execute any project, regardless of size or location, from concept through completion. 

The largest airline in The People's Republic of China for the past 23 years, China Southern Airlines connects more than 80 cities around the globe. Major business and vacation destinations served in China include: Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Guilin, Hong Kong, Kunming, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Wuhan and as well as International service, including: Amsterdam, Bangkok, Fukuoka, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Los Angeles, Manila, Melbourne, Osaka, Penang, Phnom Penh, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo.