Beijing air passengers could probably complete all check-in procedures at a downtown transport hub, a local official has told a Beijing newspaper.

Li Qiang, an official in charge of planning the Second Ring Road East area, said that negotiations with airport authorities are under way and check-in counters could be established at Dongzhimen, a transport hub in eastern Beijing.

An elevated rail line connecting Dongzhimen with the Beijing Capital International Airport (BCIA) is expected to be fully operational on July 1, Beijing Evening News reported on Thursday. The line will make the trip in 17 minutes, with a final stop serving the No.2 and No.3 terminals at BCIA. The elevated line will have a trial run as early as May.

Passengers could change their boarding passes, check in or drop off luggage and go through security at Dongzhimen Station, which is already an interchange for three subway lines, the newspaper quoted Li as saying.

A 400-space parking lot is being built 28 meters below ground at the Dongzhimen hub, according to Li.

(Xinhua News Agency January 11, 2008)