Burgeoning Zhuhai Airport greets 8-millionth traveler

At 10:33 am on Nov 15, lawyer Chen Jian became the 8-millionth passenger to travel through Zhuhai (Jinwan) Airport this year.

After the Zhuhai resident deplaned from Flight CZ3740 from Beijing, he was surprised with a gift package from the airport and China Southern Airlines. Enclosed were a commemorative plaque, year-round free use of the VIP Lounge, products from airport stores, and free round-trip air tickets without use restrictions. In fact, all passengers aboard the same flight were given special souvenirs.

Chen said he was just one of many to benefit from greater traveling convenience and people-centered service. As flights expanded from 50 a day to the current 100 or more, Chen says he has more choices and a more flexible schedule. He's now able to take any of eight daily Beijing-Zhuhai flights.

Chen Jian is 8-millionth flier at Zhuhai Airport.

Passenger throughput for 2017 is expected to exceed 9 million, with as many as 200 aircraft flying in round trips during peak times, accessing 50 cities around the country.

Consistent updating of cargo throughput records is another sign of rapid growth; the highest figure reached so far is 207 tons in a single day. In addition, optimized store layout and reasonable prices have boosted transactions in terminals. Commodities are priced just as they are downtown.

Momentum is seen in every aspect of operations, including airport services and hardware, according to Qiu Changxian, general manager of Hong Kong & Zhuhai Airport Management.

For instance, more guiders and self-help check-in units are in place to speed things up. For passengers in a rush to catch their flight or with special requirements, exclusive security check channels enable a quicker pass. There also are more security guards.

Commercial area at terminal 

Currently the East Airside Concourse is undergoing improvements. Once both airside concourses open, they can accommodate 12 million passengers per annum.

More public seats are available at rest areas to create a comfortable and waiting environment, to some extent easing anxiety, according to a staff member.

Peng Tieshan, general manager of China Southern Airlines Zhuhai compared Zhuhai Airport to a dark horse during the 8-millionth celebration. The airline's annual delivery came from nowhere to rise from 300,000 passengers in 2006 to this year's 2.1 million, a growth rate of nearly 700 percent.

China Southern will add more aircraft to reach 20 by 2020, a response to the surging transportation demand at the airport. 

Prepping for flight [Photos by Chen Xinnian / Zhuhai Daily]