Special supplement: Siemens hi-tech crucial to Terminal 3 marvel

Travelers passing through Beijing's newly built Capital Airport Terminal 3 can easily see that it cannot be measured on a normal, everyday scale.

The vast, dragon-shaped glass and steel structure, designed by UK architect Sir Norman Foster, was planned and built in a record four years. Now that it is complete Beijing is well prepared for the expected stampede from all over the world.

The terminal increased the capacity of Beijing Capital International Airport from 28 to 60 million passengers a year. It can schedule a plane to take off or land every 30 seconds. The logistics challenges in the air and on the ground are huge. Slots must be coordinated and intricate security systems must positively identify passengers during check-in and boarding. Passengers must move through the building safely, smoothly and quickly, and be confident that their luggage will reach its destination.