Priority channels will be opened next week at Beijing Capital International Airport for officials, athletes and members of the media visiting the Chinese capital for the Olympic Games next month and Paralympics in September, as part of efforts to improve services.

Airport officials say they expect to receive in excess of 60,000 Olympic and Paralympic Games officials, athletes and journalists.

Using the new channels, members of the "Olympic Family" will have to spend no more than 10 minutes waiting to check in, and less than 15 minutes to go through immigration and security checks, says the airport's general manager, Dong Zhiyi.

"There will be volunteers guiding Olympic Family members through the whole process, and groups of more than 15 members can check in at the Olympic Village," says Dong.

The airport has also promised to raise its service standards, starting from Tuesday (8 July). Passengers will spend no more than eight minutes passing through the security checks and less than 10 minutes checking-in for domestic flights.

"We will ensure 95% of our passengers go through these processes within the specified time limits," says Dong. "Exceptions will be made only in cases where officials believe an individual merits closer inspection."