Beijing Airport City Development Co Ltd (ACL) has officially unveiled its theme for hosting the 2010 Airport Cities World Conference & Exhibition (ACE).

Under the title "City Wings - A New Thrust of Future Urban Development," ACL will emphasise how the development of an airport city leads to urbanisation, city growth and widespread economic benefits.

Speaking at a press conference during the 15th Routes World event in Beijing, Desmond Shum, vice chairman and CEO of ACL said: "ACL is proud to be hosting the 10th Airport Cities World Conference & Exhibition and to bring this international event to Mainland China for the first time. This event is of great significance for the aviation market in China and will be a huge boost to airport-based industry development."

Chen Weidong, governor of the Shunyi district government, commented that the airport city would not only boost economic and social development at Beijing Airport for years to come but also represented a "key inland free trade point to China" to attract international investors.

During the event Alex Kirby, managing director of Insight Media, the owners and organisers of ACE, handed over the Global Airport City Conference and Exhibition telescope, as a symbol of ACL's hosting of the conference. ACE 2010 will be held at the China World Hotel in Beijing from April 21-23.