Daxing Airport: Beijing Daxing International Airport ready for passengers

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Beijing's new Daxing International Airport will begin operations before this month is over. Now with most facilities up and running for the official launch, CGTN reporter Ning Hong takes us for a ride on the newly-built subway to find out more about this mega project.

A new subway, connecting Daxing Airport with downtown Beijing. Trains are being tested on a daily basis.

NING HONG BEIJING "We are now at the departure station, it takes 19 minutes from here to the airport."

Passengers can check-in at the subway station and check their luggage as well. Business coach passengers at the front also have individual access.

LIU YUANCHANG, DEPUTY CHIEF URT MANAGEMENT SECTION, BEIJING MUNICIPAL COMMISSION OF TRANSPORT "We have three stations, all equipped with facial recognition passages. Travelers can buy tickets through apps."

There are multiple means of transportation to the airport. A high-speed railway is under construction, with a train station located beneath the airport terminal. The airport is vertical in design, international departures are on the upper level, check-in counters are separated into eight islands, with many already taken by airlines.

HU HAIQING, DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER OPERATION CENTER, CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES "We are ready for the operation, and we are currently planning to fly an Airbus 380 to Guangzhou from Beijing as our first flight here. We plan to transfer the first group of airplanes on October 27."

The airport has also increased its support for public transportation, reaching 50 percent of all transport facilities, 30% FROM rail transportation and 20 percent FROM road traffic.  

QIAN YUANYUAN, OPERATIONS MANAGER OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT CENTER BEIJING DAXING INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT "The airport plans to reach operational condition by September 15th, and we have organized five drills to test eight business processes. Troubleshooting is also included. The results are promising."

As the airport is getting ready to greet its first group of passengers, five comprehensive drills have been organized to test the operation. The latest drills involve over eight thousand people. The expected YEARLY passenger flow will reach 72 million by 2025. Ning Hong, CGTN, Beijing.