Korea’s main gateway named world’s best airport for seven consecutive years


SINGAPORE ― Lee Chae-wook, CEO of Incheon International Airport Corp., may have had a feeling of dj vu on Wednesday when he was congratulated by Airports Council International for Incheon winning the World’s Best Airport title this year.

Korea’s main gateway has topped the non-profit association’s annual airport service quality report for the seventh year running, followed by Singapore and Beijing.

Since the industry’s top honor was introduced in 1993, Korea is the only country to have garnered the top spot seven times in a row. Dubai International Airport won the award three times from 1993-95.

“Winning the prestigious award has not only consolidated Incheon’s brand power but also enhanced Korea’s national image. We also have come to have more business opportunities abroad,” Lee told reporters in Singapore.

Korea, which was inducted to the ACI Hall of Fame last year, would not continue its record-breaking streak as the ACI board members tentatively agreed not to give the best airport award, possibly from next year, according to Lee.

They held a meeting in Singapore ahead of the award ceremony for Airport Service Quality on Thursday on the city-state’s Santosa Island. Lee is the first Korean to serve as an ACI board member.

The association of some 1,700 airport operators around the world, based on passenger surveys throughout the year, has selected three top players each depending on region and size and then the best airport among them.

“Some airports such as Incheon, Singapore and Hong Kong have long dominated the list of winners. ACI members especially may have wanted to offer more opportunities to others,” Lee said.

“For Incheon, we have nothing to regret. Our record of winning the award seven times will never be broken, and we still need to compete with Asian players.”

The CEO, however, cautioned that the final decision on the selection of the year’s best airport would be finalized during the next regular session of the board members’ meeting in September in Calgary, Canada.

Together with the ACI award, Incheon Airport has also been named the best airport in the Skytrax World Airport Awards and Global Traveler Magazine Awards this year, completing a “grand slam” in the world airport industry.

Located 70 kilometers west of Seoul, Incheon Airport opened in 2001. Connecting 172 cities globally, the airport now handles more than 44 million passengers and 4.5 million tons of cargo a year.

It was first named best airport in the world in 2005 and another turnaround came in 2008 when Lee, former Asia Pacific chief of U.S. electronics giant General Electronics, took office as the new CEO.

Under his leadership, Incheon has continued to grow with a set of goals making it the world’s safest, fastest and cleanest airport. Its smooth connecting services in particular have enhanced passenger satisfaction.

According to the corporation, the process for departure takes only 19 minutes and for arrival just 12 minutes at Incheon, which is far above the global standards of 60 and 45 minutes, respectively.

What further differentiates the airport from others was cultural programs offered on a regular basis, including several museums and culture centers and some 5,000 traditional art performances every year.

“Singapore’s Changi Airport (which has long held second place) is also operated very effectively. But it lacks cultural attractions compared to Incheon,” Lee said.

“Our cultural programs, based on the nation’s 5,000 years of history, may have more appeal to passengers from around the world.”

Quality services with a cultural touch also helped the airport last year host the world’s first airport branch of French fashion house Louis Vuitton, which is currently enjoying a sales boom at its 550-square-meter mega store.

Despite the airport’s relentless growth over the past decade, Lee said its efforts should continue.

Together with building the second terminal and developing an air city near the airport, Lee stressed that the airport needs to expand its presence in overseas markets.

Some 6,000 airport officials worldwide have already visited Incheon Airport to learn their management know-how. The airport has also sought business partnerships with other airport operators in Russia, the Philippines, Nepal, Cambodia and Indonesia.

In 2011, it became the first foreign company to acquire 10 percent of Khabarovsk Novy Airport in Russia to offer consultancy and directly participate in the management.

“Going global is essential for growth. In order to reduce initial risks, we would participate in overseas projects in phases and selectively, though,” he said.

He also hinted at concentrating more resources in the air cargo sector and training overseas officials who will serve key positions years after returning to their home countries.

Asked about the possibility that he could manage a foreign airport when his official term ends in September, he said he would not.

“Operating an airport requires a lot of energy. I’m not sure I can do my best. If there’s an opportunity, I’m willing to offer advice to airports or related organizations on management,” he said.

By Lee Ji-yoon, Korea Herald correspondent 
(jylee@heraldcorp.com)