The Shanghai Airport Authority, or SAA, has prepared green channels, upgraded services, and decorations ahead of the fourth China International Import Expo (CIIE), which is scheduled to run from Nov 5 to 10 in the eastern Chinese city of Shanghai.
Efforts made to ensure security
The authority has established a security leadership group, under whose supervision safe operation and airport service guarantee special working groups have been set up. They are responsible for setting work objectives and formulating specific measures for epidemic prevention and control during the CIIE.
The leadership group organized a meeting on Oct 19 to mobilize all involved staff to provide reliable security support. Relevant departments were urged to make emergency management plans and carefully deploy security forces so as to ensure that COVID-19 epidemic containment measures are strictly implemented and airport operations are safe.
Decorations create inviting atmosphere
The Pudong and Hongqiao international airports both erected statues of the CIIE mascot Jinbao at their departure and arrival areas, and each airport installed nearly 60 large and medium-sized CIIE-themed green landscapes and fresh flowers.
The Pudong airport has set up many points highlighting CIIE elements in Terminal 2, which is the busiest terminal. Passengers can take WeChat Moments photos against the backgrounds. The airport has also organized traditional Chinese cultural performances to promote the expo.
Outside Terminal 2 of the Hongqiao airport, there is a large greenery and floral decoration featuring the words "LOVE China". Many places in Terminal 1 were beautified with green plants such as canna and fiddle-leaf figs to make the environment more welcoming.
Services upgraded for more convenience
The four CIIE reception service centers located in the arrival areas of the two airports fully opened on Nov 4. The centers offer service guides, free power banks, and electronic equipment that can offer multilingual translations to visitors of different nationalities.
The Pudong airport is further elevating its service through 35 measures covering the whole process of CIIE services, such as on-site inquiries, special check-in counters, special passages for security checks, priority baggage protection, and landside traffic support.
At the Hongqiao airport, passengers can enjoy a convenient transport service that seamlessly connects air with rail, subway, and other modes of transportation. The nearly 200-square-meter commercial area of Terminal 2 has been upgraded and dedicated exclusively to showcasing Shanghai local brands.
Airport VIP services continued to be delivered, to ensure that guests arrive and leave the airport safely and conveniently.
The two airports have also set up three volunteer service points, where about 50 young volunteers provide consultation, translation, and guidance services every day.
Green channels kept open for imports and exports
The green channel developed by the SAA to efficiently transport air cargo for the CIIE has continued operating. The two airports' cargo stations established special teams to ensure smooth operations.
All units in the Shanghai airport cargo community promised to give priority to cargo handling, arrangement of vehicles, cargo inspection and delivery.
The airport cargo stations have introduced "four special" measures: open special channels for entry and exit, appointing special professional teams to disinfect goods, setting up special windows for documentation formalities, and arranging special vehicles for transportation. This will reduce time needed at cargo stations by more than half.