Before departing for the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC) 2025 Programme, I had no particular expectations about China. However, upon arrival at Beijing International Airport, I was pleasantly surprised. The experience left a lasting impression – not only because of the airport’s architectural grandeur but also due to the remarkable efficiency and seamless welcome that greeted me.

Smooth landing and arrival

From the moment the aircraft touched down to the time I stepped into the arrival hall, the entire process took no more than 15 minutes. Yes – just 15 minutes, an uncommon reality at most major international airports.

There were no queues, no waiting at immigration, and not even a delay at the baggage carousel. It was, quite literally, smooth like butter.

The journey aboard the narrow-body Boeing 737 MAX 8 was smooth and comfortable, although the cabin interior lacked a distinct ‘wow’ factor.

Touchdown was smooth, the jet bridge was promptly connected, and passengers were efficiently guided by clear signage – making the entire arrival process remarkably seamless and stress-free.

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Biometric personal touch

What truly stood out was the immigration process – particularly the biometric data registration system. A brilliant and thoughtful innovation.

What amazed me most was how the immigration kiosk automatically detected the language based on my passport. The moment I placed my Malaysian passport on the reader, the machine began giving instructions in Bahasa Malaysia.

Hearing one’s own national language in a foreign country is a feeling that words cannot describe.

There was an immediate sense of comfort and familiarity – an unexpected warmth in a typically formal, high-security environment. For me, this personal touch at Beijing Capital International Airport was enough to give goosebumps.

“Sila letakkan kedua-dua ibu jari anda (Please place both your thumbs),” the machine instructed, guiding me through the process of scanning all 10 fingers. The experience felt personal, thoughtful, and impressively efficient.

It was the first time I had encountered an immigration system that addressed me in my language at an international border – an unexpected yet deeply meaningful gesture.

According to the immigration officer who handled my passport, the biometric thumbprint scanner is equipped to communicate in multiple languages, automatically selecting one based on the passport presented.

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AI tech and global accessibility

This multilingual capability speaks volumes about China’s commitment to global accessibility and the seamless integration of artificial intelligence into travel processes.

It’s a small yet significant touch that makes a world of difference – especially for first-time visitors to China like me, or for travellers who may feel anxious about language barriers.

By reducing stress and enhancing clarity, this approach not only improves the passenger experience but also ensures greater accuracy and compliance at immigration checkpoints.

It offers a compelling glimpse into the future of international air travel – where smart, inclusive systems cater to a diverse and globalised traveller demographic. A forward-thinking model that airports worldwide, including major international hubs in Malaysia, could certainly learn from.

Seamless Aerotrain experience

Another standout feature of the arrival experience was the Aerotrain journey from the immigration checkpoint to the baggage collection area. The ride took less than three minutes – fast, efficient and seamlessly connected.

I couldn’t help but reflect on how much I – and undoubtedly the entire nation – miss the Aerotrain system at KL International Airport (KLIA), which has yet to resume operations.

In its absence, shuttle buses have become the temporary norm at KLIA, but they simply cannot match the speed, comfort and reliability of an automated train system.

An Aerotrain does more than just transport passengers; it significantly enhances the overall airport experience by reducing wait times, easing congestion, and providing a smoother, more intuitive transition between terminals or zones.

Hopefully, KLIA will see the return of its Aerotrain system as promised by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad in the second quarter of this year.

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User-centric design and lasting impressions

The efficiency continued at the luggage collection area, where bags arrived promptly and customs clearance was completed within minutes.

As I stepped into the arrival hall, I was struck by how far airport experiences have evolved – not just in infrastructure, but in thoughtful, user-centric design.

Until now, it was Hamad International Airport in Qatar that had left the deepest impression on me. But Beijing Capital International Airport clearly understands that for many travellers, the airport is the first encounter with a country – and, in this case, it was a truly memorable one.

For writers who are passionate about aviation and air transport systems, travel is more than just movement – it’s also observation. Often, the story doesn’t begin in the city, but right at the airport.

And so, in the most unexpected of ways, the first chapter of my journey in China began – not with a skyline or a street, but with a seamless arrival experience.

I will be pursuing the CIPCC Programme for three and a half months. It officially begins on 7 April 2025.

-- BERNAMA

Kisho Kumari Sucedaram is a journalist with BERNAMA.