Greater PRD Meeting Focuses on New Trend of Smart Airports

(HONG KONG, 9 December 2016)   –  The Greater Pearl River Delta (GPRD) A5 Chairmen’s meeting was held today in Hong Kong. Under the theme of “New Trend of Smart Airports”, representatives from the “A5” participating airports including Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), Macau International Airport, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and Zhuhai Airport* exchanged views on the ongoing development of smart airports. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was also signed to foster greater cooperation among the five airports, aiming to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of airports in the GPRD region.

HKIA played host to this year’s meeting. Fred Lam, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, remarked in his speech, “Gearing up for the future trends while meeting the overall national strategies and social development, it is imperative for civil aviation airports to keep pace with the times. Smart applications of technology and innovation to airport operations and unleashing the power of big data management are essential to enhance operational efficiency and competitiveness.”

During the meeting, representatives from the five airports shared presentations on smart airports, introducing applications of innovative technologies that have successfully enhanced airport efficiency. A discussion session was conducted for exchanging views on the new trends of smart airports. The representatives also signed a MOU committing to implementing goals set by the “A5 Technology Application Sharing Professional Committee” established last year, while further strengthening communications on airport informatisation and organising regular visits.

The five airports in the GPRD have also agreed to enhance cooperation and implement the positioning of the airports in accordance with their respective orientations and development strategies. Meanwhile, the GPRD airports will continue to propel collaboration of the region and, in line with the collaboration objectives, share experience on technovation and data management related to the new trend of smart airports. 

Since 2001, the five major airports of the GPRD have been meeting regularly to strengthen collaboration and promote the airports’ mutual interest. The meetings are organised by member airports in turn, and the meeting next year will be chaired by Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport.

*By alphabetical order of the participating airports