Sydney and Beijing become sister airports

Sydney Airport Corporation Limited (SACL) and Beijing International Airport Co Ltd (BIAC) signed a memorandum of understanding which will establish a sister airport relationship at a ceremony in Beijing on June 3.

SACL CEO Russell Balding, who attended the event alongside BIAC CEO Zhang Guanghui, said that the relationship was based on sharing knowledge and experience. “It is about building a win-win relationship through a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing. More than anything else, innovation comes from sharing insights and knowledge, by learning from the experience of others, and building on the wisdom of your peers.

“The Memorandum of Understanding foreshadows joint airport management seminars, staff training and exchange, and project cooperation. The outcome of this win-win relationship will be better airports for the travellers of Beijing and Sydney,” Balding said.

In 2009 Beijing handled more than 65 million passengers, making it the third busiest airport in the world, while Sydney handled 33 million.