Passengers at Heathrow Airport and Hong Kong International Airport are set to benefit as the two global hubs yesterday formed a partnership to share their expertise and experience.
The collaboration, which is the first of its kind for Heathrow, was signed yesterday by Heathrow CEO, John Holland-Kaye and Airport Authority Hong Kong Chief Executive Officer, Fred Lam, and will see the two airports work together with the aim of improving operations, driving up innovation, achieving world class service for passengers and developing industry leading environmental performance.
As two of the world’s leading international hub airports, they have many similarities that form the basis for a strong relationship. Serving a similar customer profile, they both have a global network of carriers, including home-based airlines, along with substantial cargo and retail businesses. Both are currently constrained but have high profile expansion plans that would bring economic benefits and jobs to their respective communities.
Colleagues from each airport will work on joint projects, looking to take advantage of emerging trends or opportunities and help shape industry standards. Areas identified for the first phase include the central management of airport operations, crisis planning, passenger service, future terminal design and the opportunities to be gained from expansion.
Heathrow CEO, John Holland-Kaye, said:
“This relationship will see two of the world’s most successful hub airports working together to make our operations and service to passengers industry leading in every aspect.
“Heathrow has similar challenges and different skills to Hong Kong – this will be a great opportunity to draw the best out of each other to the benefit of our passengers, our communities and the environment.”
Airport Authority Hong Kong CEO, Fred Lam, said:
“We are delighted to sign this agreement which will enable our two airports to work closer together in the future. Our cooperation is poised to bring exciting opportunities for the two airports. And by sharing experience and knowledge, we will bring even better airport experience for our passengers from all over the world.”