Global airports strengthen ties at Guangzhou expo

Representatives from over 170 airports in more than 70 countries and regions, along with more than 190 civil aviation-related enterprises, are attending the 2025 International Airport Expo and the 10th China Airport Service Conference at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, which are being held from Monday to Thursday.

Airports Council International World, representing some of the world's largest airports, held the Airport Experience Summit in China for the first time during the events. Meanwhile, the China-UK Joint Economic and Trade Commission hosted a dedicated airport working group meeting.

The events have served as a platform for exchanges, demonstrations, and announcements, underscoring the commitment of China's civil aviation sector to deepen international cooperation and promote high-quality development, said Wang Ruiping, chairwoman of the China Civil Airports Association.

The Airport Experience Summit 2025, themed "Reimagining a People Experience", saw the participation of global airport and aviation leaders.

It highlighted how airports are embracing artificial intelligence, biometrics, immersive technologies, and human-centered design to deliver seamless, inclusive, and memorable journeys, while fostering engaging workplaces for employees, with Airport Service Quality awards presented to airport winners.

The aviation sector remains resilient with the demand for air travel expanding, with the Asia-Pacific region leading the way. Eight of the world's 20 busiest airports are in the Asia-Pacific, including three from China, said Justin Erbacci, director general of Airports Council International World.

To meet future demand, airports must continue to combine smarter operations with expanded infrastructure, Erbacci said.

"China is really a powerhouse of the growth of the passenger numbers that we will see in the aviation industry. It's really appropriate that we're here in China, in Guangzhou, where innovation is going to drive the ability for the airports to increase connectivity and to accommodate the number of passengers," he said.

"It's also very important for us to promote customer experience because the future of airports is really based upon providing a better customer experience.

"Here in China, the airports, especially the airport in Guangzhou, are very innovative and very advanced in providing a strong customer experience and using innovations and technologies to do that," he said.

China has become Australia's fastest-growing international inbound market and remains one of its most valued tourism markets, said Nick Henderson, regional general manager for Greater China at Tourism Australia. "Air access is a fundamental driver for a sustainable tourism industry. We will work with partners, including China Southern Airlines, to improve connectivity and enhance visitor services," he said.

The sister airport relationship between Perth Airport and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport reflects the strong ties between Western Australia and Guangdong in aviation, trade, education, and tourism, said Jason Waters, CEO of Perth Airport.

"By working together, we can build stronger, more resilient aviation and tourism industries that benefit airports, airlines, communities, and economies," he said.

Cai Zhizhou, chairman of Guangdong Airport Authority, invited international partners to strengthen Guangzhou's role as an aviation hub and enhance the industry, innovation, and value chains in the sector.

When the ongoing third-phase expansion is completed, the airport of Guangzhou will have five runways and three passenger terminals, with an annual handling capacity for 140 million passengers and 6 million metric tons of cargoes, he added.