On July 14, an official deal on a comprehensive strategic partnership between one of world's largest banks by market capitalization, Bank of China Limited ("Bank of China" as below), and the country's leading airport group, Capital Airports Holding Company (also known as CAH, "Capital Airports Holding" as below), was signed, witnessed and officiated by some of the most senior executives from both companies as well as high-profile officials from a number of their subsidiaries, several banking and aviation sources confirmed to CARNOC.com.

According to industry information and other press reports gathered by CARNOC.com, the so-called Bank of China - Capital Airports Holding Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation Agreement involves Bank of China providing Capital Airports Holding with up to 50 billion yuan in financing arrangements plus "other highly internationalized, diversified, customized and integrated financial services" while the airport group will in turn treat the banking giant as its preferred banking and financial service provider, especially in relatively untapped business areas such as investment banking and insurance.

Internal sources told CARNOC.com that both parties have had quite extensive business dealings over the past few years and Bank of China has also publicly acknowledged that its past relationship with Capital Airports Holding already covers numerous business areas ranging from standard banking services such as deposit, settlement and debt financing to other aspects including Internet banking, personal finance and advertising/publicity.

Meanwhile, it's understood by CARNOC.com that a few financial analysts do view Bank of China's recent collaborations with several airport operators nationwide as a strong signal to the market that the bank is actively trying to broaden its airport client portfolio in order to "make the most out of the 'prosperous' airport development growth in China".

Photograph: The official signing ceremony of the strategic cooperation agreement between Bank of China Limited and Capital Airports Holding Company was held in Beijing on July 14, 2009.