MAYOR HAHN ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT WITH BEIJING AIRPORT
Beijing airport seeks Los Angeles help to build new terminal and new runways
(Beijing -- November 21, 2002) Mayor Jim Hahn today announced an agreement between Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and Beijing Capital Airport Group of Beijing, People's Republic of China, to expand the relationship between LAWA and the Capital City, and to exchange information regarding new developments in air traffic and airport operations.
"This forward-looking agreement represents a commitment on the part of Los Angeles World Airports and Beijing Capital Airport to deliver the best possible commercial passenger and air cargo service between our two destinations," said Mayor Hahn. "This agreement came about, in part, because Beijing is beginning plans to modernize its airport facilities in anticipation of the 2008 Olympic Games."
Special emphasis will be placed on the use of modern technology to increase the efficiency of airport facilities; management structure and work procedures with respect to aircraft, passenger and cargo handling; and problems and procedures with respect to noise abatement and environmental protection.
"We value our working relationship with the Beijing airport and the distinction that LAX is the only airport into which all three international China carriers fly," added Mayor Hahn.
Senior management representatives of the two airports will meet at least once a year, with the meetings to alternate between Los Angeles and Beijing.
"This agreement is significant because it offers new tourism opportunities," said Lydia Kennard, executive director of LAWA. "Through Mayor Hahn's leadership, this agreement will open doors for business that are eager to work on the development of new projects. At the end of the day, LAWA's airports benefit."
The memorandum of understanding is similar to a long-standing agreement between LAWA and the Korea Airports Authority, and one announced last year with Incheon International Airport Corporation of Seoul, South Korea. Korean airport officials have visited LAX a number of times to familiarize themselves with airfield operations and security systems and procedures.
Los Angeles World Airports is a self-supporting department within the City of Los Angeles, which owns and operates a world-class system of four airports: Los Angeles International (LAX), Ontario International (ONT), Palmdale Regional (PMD), and Van Nuys (general aviation). LAWA's combined airports move 68.3 million passengers and 2.4 million tons of cargo annually; employ, directly and indirectly, more than 410,000 people; and generate nearly US $70 billion into the Southern California economy.
Mayor Hahn embarked on the first Asian trade and tourism mission of his administration on November 16. The 10-day mission, coordinated by the Mayor's Office of International Trade, takes Mayor Hahn, city officials and business leaders to Seoul, Beijing, Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Taipei. Already Mayor Hahn has met with Korean Prime Minister Kim Dae-Jung, Seoul Mayor Lee Myung-bak and Beijing Mayor Liu Qi.
Mayor Hahn is seeking to increase tourism and economic development opportunities for the City of Los Angeles by leveraging the extensive capabilities of the three proprietary departments, the Port of Los Angeles, Los Angeles World Airports and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, and LA Inc., the Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau.
