“新塔台”的第一个春运，“他”的第十六载坚守

Core Viewpoint - The new East Control Tower of the South China Air Traffic Management Bureau is set to face its first major test during the 2026 Spring Festival travel season, coinciding with the operational launch of five runways and the T3 terminal at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, marking a significant milestone in air traffic management efficiency and safety [3][6]. Group 1: Operational Highlights - The East Control Tower, operational since November 2025, is responsible for air traffic control for the second terminal area and the East Third runway, handling half of the international flights at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport following the relocation of the T1 terminal [3][5]. - The expected total flight operations during the 2026 Spring Festival is 67,597, averaging 1,690 flights per day, which represents a year-on-year increase of over 10% [6]. - The air traffic management team has been actively optimizing operational systems to enhance efficiency, focusing on ground taxiing and gate allocation to ensure smooth coordination between the five runways [8]. Group 2: Team Commitment and Innovations - The deputy director of the control room, Cai Xiaosheng, has been instrumental in the design and implementation of the control desk, aiming to provide comfort and warmth to the air traffic controllers who work during the Spring Festival [5]. - The team has developed a comprehensive training program to ensure that controllers are well-prepared for the new operational requirements following the transition to the new terminal and runway systems [8]. - Continuous efforts are being made to refine flight release protocols and maintain punctuality, with the T3 flight area averaging over 250 flights per day during the Spring Festival [9].