Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Signs Sister Airport Agreement with Beijing Capital International Airport

Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport Co., Ltd., (BCIA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding today in Beijing, China, which formalizes the framework for a collaborative alliance between the two airports. The agreement enhances the cooperation between these two global airports to share best practices in customer service, operations, safety and technology and air service development.

“As we celebrate this historic occasion, we look forward to working together to connect our two airports, grow international passenger and cargo service and generate more demand for routes served by our airline partners,” said Sean Donohue, DFW Airport CEO. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to share best practices with our new partners at BCIA because of their efficient, well-managed operation on a variety of travel initiatives that will benefit our customers.”

The MOU was signed by Donohue, and Mr. Shi Boli, president and CEO for BCIA, during DFW’s recent mission to China. Mayor Mike Rawlings, City of Dallas, Mayor Betsy Price, City of Fort Worth, and other senior officials from BCIA and DFW witnessed the signing. During the mission, officials and a delegation of more than 25 local business and civic leaders began a series of strategic meetings and key events with Chinese business and government leaders in Shanghai and Beijing.

“BCIA and DFW are already old friends. The earliest communications started in 2007, and since then both of us have sent and received a lot of delegations from each other, ” said Mr. Liu Xuesong, President of Capital Airports Holding Company and Chairman of BCIA. “In this era of economic globalization, international communication and cooperation are our priority. We have established sister airport relationships with 30 airports.” Recently, a group of 26 firefighters from BCIA were in training sessions at DFW International Airport’s Fire Training and Research Center.
“We are honored to have our delegation witness the historic signing between the Beijing Capital International Airport and DFW International Airport. This truly marks the beginning of a great period of friendship as we begin our Sister Airport Relationship,” said Mayor Price. “As Mayor of Fort Worth, where the headquarters of American Airlines is located, I wish to extend a warm Fort Worth HOWDY to all the citizens of China who will make their entry to the U.S. at DFW Airport.”

“This is truly a great day for our two regions. DFW and Beijing will bring great opportunities for business and cultural exchanges,” said Mayor Rawlings. “Beijing serves not only as China’s governmental capital, but also as the center of China’s business, financial, industrial and cultural activities, and it is a primary destination for tourists. Through these expanding connections, DFW Airport connects the largest economy in the world with the fourth largest and fastest growing region in the US.”

The purpose of the mission was to expand business relations between North Texas and China in support of new international air service that commenced with American Airlines’ direct flights to Shanghai and Hong Kong in June. The airline also recently announced it is seeking approval from the U.S. government for a direct route from DFW to Beijing.

(re)defining DFW International Airport

DFW International Airport’s $2.69 billion Terminal Renewal and Improvement Program (TRIP) is (re)defining first class for this global gateway. For the latest details regarding TRIP, log on to www.dfwairport.com/redefine.