Travel service provider and airport operator aim to boost trade

MADRID－Top airport operator AENA reached an agreement with Chinese travel service provider Ctrip on Thursday to boost air traffic between Spain and China.

In the presence of Jose Luis Abalos, Spain's acting minister for public works and transport, AENA President and CEO Maurici Lucena and Ctrip Vice-President Li Xiaoping signed the deal.

According to the agreement, both parties will jointly analyze tourism trends to identify possible new routes between the two countries and connections to Latin America.

The move also means AENA will look at ways to adapt its services for Chinese and Asian passengers. This includes issues such as restaurant food or appointing personal shoppers to help Chinese travelers.

"Our intention is to contribute to boosting the activity of the airlines associated with Ctrip and improve the quality and perception that Chinese travelers have of our country," Lucena said. "We want to meet Chinese visitors better, serve them better and optimize their airport experience."

Li said the agreement was a "strategic milestone". It aims to promote transport between both countries, provide better service, strengthen bilateral relationships, help Chinese people know Spain better and contribute to the Spanish economy.