CHINA. The Changi Airports International (CAI) and Hainan Meilan International Airport Co joint venture (CAI-Meilan) convened its inaugural board of directors meeting last week.
As Hainan Daily reported, the meeting at the Haikou Meilan Airport Hotel marked an important step forward after the October signing of the joint-venture agreement to manage non-aeronautical commercial operations at Haikou Meilan International Airport.
The meeting was attended by shareholder representatives and company board and supervisory executives, who unanimously endorsed all shareholder and board proposals, marking the start of a planned steady growth trajectory for the partnership.
As reported, the CAI-Meilan joint venture – in which Hainan Meilan International Airport Co owns 51% and CAI 49% – will have exclusive rights to manage retail, food & beverage, advertising, leisure and commercially important-person services at the Hainan capital’s gateway for ten years, starting from January 2025.
This collaboration aims to transform Haikou Meilan International Airport into an integrated consumer hub and drive consumer spending to enhance commercial revenues.
The joint venture focuses on leveraging Changi Airport’s brand reputation and expertise in airport commercial management to optimise the passenger experience, increase retail offerings and introduce new digital services such as ecommerce and loyalty programmes.
With a focus on diversified commercial formats and brands, the initiative seeks to develop an airport commercial complex that highlights Hainan’s unique identity and boosts its international competitiveness, fostering mutual growth.
CAI-Meilan aims to enhance the airport’s ability to cater to international and domestic travellers, foster better passenger satisfaction, drive revenue growth and strengthen its position as a top regional hub.
Looking ahead, the partners underscored their intention to leverage the development of the airport as a platform to strengthen cooperation in three key areas: economic and trade relations, cultural exchanges, and transportation connectivity.
This collaboration will drive the development of Hainan Free Trade Port’s ‘two bases’, ‘two networks’ and ‘two hubs’, advancing cooperation in key areas and contributing to a more cohesive regional economic structure, setting a standard for joint initiatives. 🏝️
