A subsidiary of Hilton Hotels Corporation has signed an agreement with Beijing Capital Airport Tourism Co., Ltd. to manage the Hilton Beijing Capital Airport. Scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2008, the hotel will be located at the new Terminal 3 of the Beijing Capital International Airport.

Koos Klein, President Hilton Hotels Corporation - Asia Pacific commented, “This signing marks the latest development in our expansion plans in China. The Hilton Beijing Capital Airport will be the fourth Hilton Family hotel in Beijing. With a significant boost in visitor arrivals anticipated with the Olympic Games, we are well positioned to ensure our guests can rely on the Hilton experience during this dynamic time and beyond”.

The 324-room Hilton Beijing Capital Airport will be located at the entrance of Beijing Capital International Airport’s the newly opened Terminal 3.

With its ultra modern design, Beijing Capital International Airport’s Terminal 3 is dedicated to international flights and all flights operated by Air China, the country’s flagship carrier. Beijing Capital International Airport’s 3 terminals combined are expected to handle 78 million passengers per year and have a larger roof surface area than London Heathrow’s 5 terminals together.

“The Hilton Family of hotels has wide expertise in operating airport hotels, with a presence in 7 of the world’s top 10 busiest airports. We are confident that Beijing Capital International Airport will strengthen its position as one of the most significant airport and travel hubs in the world”, Klein continued.

The hotel will also be located in close proximity to the new China International Exhibition Center, which opened in March 2008, and is expected to further enhance Beijing’s reputation as a key MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) destination in China. Beijing reportedly has over 45% of the share of international MICE business in China[§].

With 324 spacious rooms to each be a minimum of 40 sq meters, the Hilton Beijing Capital Airport will feature 5 restaurants including 144 seats in all private dining rooms, a lobby lounge, piano bar and wine and cigar bars. It will include an 800 sq meter ballroom and 1,600 sq meters of meeting rooms. A health club and swimming pool will be complemented by an extensive spa and retail outlets.

The plan of the hotel and another hotel adjacent to it when seen from an aerial view is designed to form the Chinese character for a door or gateway.

Mr Liu, Chairman of Beijing Capital Airport Tourism Co., Ltd., commented, “We are delighted to have Hilton manage our new airport hotel which we expect to offer an oasis of comfort and state-of-the-art facilities to the growing number of business and leisure travelers in and to China”.