Shanghai's Hongqiao airport celebrates 60th anniversary of intl flight operations

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport recently launched a series of measures to enhance passenger services in celebration of its 60th anniversary of international flight operations. [Photo/Shanghai Airport Group]

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport recently launched a series of measures to enhance passenger services in celebration of its 60th anniversary of international flight operations.

The airport handled its first international flight on April 29, 1964, when Pakistan International Airlines inaugurated the Dhaka-Guangzhou-Shanghai route, marking Shanghai's first international flight since the establishment of the People's Republic of China. To commemorate this milestone, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport held an event at Terminal 1 on April 29, during which a series of passenger service facilitation measures was released.

The event, jointly organized by China Eastern Airlines, Hongqiao Airport Customs, and the Hongqiao Border Inspection Station, unveiled 12 new passenger service facilitation measures under the theme "Exquisite Hongqiao, Convenient Travel".

Specifically, Hongqiao International Airport introduced three key services to facilitate fast Customs clearance, convenient inbound services, and hassle-free Wi-Fi access. The airport pledges to significantly reduce queuing times for international and Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan passengers from 18 minutes to 12 minutes. It also offers one-stop services for inbound passengers, which integrates communication, payments, inquiries, transportation, and Internet services. For inbound travelers without domestic SIM cards, the airport also allows foreign travelers to access the airport's free Wi-Fi by scanning their passport information, making internet connectivity more convenient.

China Eastern Airlines introduced three services to enhance passenger experience and interaction. A new project called "Eastern Hospitality" focuses on the rich local culture and innovative services such as Lounge Stewards, Wine Enjoyment, and Warm Connections to enhance passenger experience and interaction. The airline also offers seven "worry-free" baggage services including Pet Care, Safe Bottle Transport, and Child Companion Enjoyment, ensuring smooth, high-quality baggage transport service. It also provides care services for special groups.

Hongqiao Airport Customs also unveiled three services to provide a safer, more convenient, and efficient clearance experience for passengers through smart Customs channels and self-declaration services via its WeChat mini-program.

In addition, the Hongqiao Border Inspection Station introduced smart services for online declaration of foreign arrivals. The station also proposed the concept of passport-free clearance, exploring the feasibility of facial recognition technology for expedited clearance for passengers traveling between Shanghai and Hong Kong airports, with plans to implement it by the end of the year.

Source: Shanghai Foreign Affairs Office