UK/HONG KONG. Heathrow and Hong Kong International airports have signed a ‘collaborative partnership’ agreement which aims to generate improvements in operations, service, innovation and environmental performance.
It is the first partnership of its kind at Heathrow, and the airports will carry out a number of joint projects that seek “to take advantage of emerging trends or opportunities and help shape industry standards”.
Areas identified for the first phase of collaboration include the central management of airport operations, crisis planning, passenger service, future terminal design and the opportunities to be gained from expansion.
The airports said they shared a number of similarities, forming the basis for the relationship. These include serving a similar customer profile, having a global network of carriers including home-based airlines, and operating “substantial” retail and cargo businesses. The airports also noted that although they were currently constrained, both had high profile expansion plans “that would bring economic benefits and jobs to their respective communities”.
The agreement was signed yesterday (17 March) by Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye and Airport Authority Hong Kong Chief Executive Officer Fred Lam.
“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,” said Holland-Kaye.
“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.”
Lam commented: “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.”
