LOS ANGELES, June 28, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Officials at Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and the Guangdong Airport Management Corporation of Guangzhou, People's Republic of China, have announced a sister-airport agreement. The agreement calls for the exchange of information regarding new developments in air traffic and airport operations.
"This agreement represents a commitment on the part of Los Angeles World Airports and the Guangdong Airport Management Corporation to deliver the best possible commercial passenger and air cargo service between our two destinations," said LAWA Executive Director Kim Day. "This agreement came about, in part, due to the recognition that China is poised to become the leading source of tourists to Southern California during the next decade."
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 Guangzhou Bai Yun International Airport and that Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the only U.S. airport into which all three international China carriers fly," added Day.
The sister airport agreement calls for senior management representatives of the two airports to meet at least once a year, with the meetings to alternate between Los Angeles and Guangzhou.
"This agreement is significant because it offers new tourism opportunities," said Day. "This agreement will open doors for business that are eager to work on the development of new projects."
The sister airport agreement is similar to a long-standing agreement between LAWA and the Korea Airports Authority; the Incheon International Airport Corporation of Seoul, South Korea; and one announced two years ago with the Beijing Capital Airport Group.
The subject of establishing a sister-airport relationship was first brought up earlier this year when the late Miguel Contreras, a member of the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners, led a delegation to Guangzhou, Macau and Hong Kong. The idea was immediately embraced by the Bai Yun airport officials and the vice-mayor of Guangzhou. Guangzhou officials then followed up with a visit to Los Angeles last April to solidify the agreement.
Los Angeles World Airports is a self-supporting department within the City of Los Angeles, which owns and operates a system of four airports: LAX, Ontario International (ONT), Palmdale Regional (PMD), and Van Nuys (general aviation). LAWA's combined airports move 67 million passengers and 2.7 million tons of cargo annually; employ, directly and indirectly, more than 470,000 people; and generate nearly U.S. $67 billion annually into the Southern California economy.