CHINA. HNA Group today announced that it is to open a duty free store in Haikou city on the resort island of Hainan. The group received its duty free licence from the central government this month.
Like China Duty Free Group which operates at Sanya, it can sell duty free goods under certain stipulations to Chinese citizens, following the recent passing of new regulations.
However, unlike the Sanya store which is located downtown, HNA’s store is to trade from Haikou Meilan International Airport. A newly refurbished walk-through duty free shop is in place in the domestic departures area post security control under the façade HNA Duty Free. The store will open soon.
HNA revealed that it has appointed Singapore-based Heinemann Asia Pacific as its strategic business partner. The company is a 100% subsidiary of German travel retailer and distributor Gebr Heinemann.
Haikou is the capital city of Hainan Province, and like Sanya has been approved by the central government for the new duty free shopping policy. As reported, China Duty Free Group’s new store has got off to a roaring start.
“As a company originated from Hainan, we have been seeking the possibility to operate the business and have finally found a solution with the provincial government and acquired approval from the central government as well,” said a senior executive at the HNA Group who asked to stay anonymous.
“It is our aim to create a fresh and exciting shopping experience in the shop and fulfil the individual needs of passengers of all backgrounds departing from our airport. To reach that goal we have chosen Heinemann Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. from Singapore as our strategic business partner. The company is a 100% subsidiary of Gebr Heinemann KG, a Germany-based family owned duty free retailer and distributor.
“We are confident that with this partnership it will bring both parties closer to uncovering the ideal solution and balance the expectations of the Chinese and international travellers visiting our airport.”
Heinemann Asia Pacific Managing Director Steffen Brandt told The Moodie Report: “It is a very exciting moment for our team here in Singapore and of course for our parent company too. Now we have to perform and work hard in order to make it successful and meet expectations.”
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The store is located at Haikou Meilan International Airport |
ABOUT HNA GROUP
As a large multi-industry enterprise group, HNA Group’s business scope covers air transportation, airport management, hotel, logistics, real estate, retail, tourism and other related industries. By the end of December 2010, the total assets of HNA Group stood at RMB2,158 billion with staff of 80,000 employed.
Since its operation began, HNA Group has been nominated within the Fortune 500 Enterprise of China for six consecutive years.
The Air Transportation business of HNA Group operates six airline companies including the Hainan Airlines Company Ltd and operates over 144 aircrafts and 3,000 flights per week.
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The Air Transportation business of HNA Group operates six airline companies, including Hainan Airlines |
The HNA Airport Group is the airport business section of HNA Group. It has 12 member airports with total assets of around RMB13 billion and over 4,300 staff.
The HNA Tourism Holding (Group) was established for the integration of internal and external aviation, hotel and tourism resources, a tourism business section of HNA Group. The business scope of HNA Tourism covers Tourism Charter flights, business jets, public transportation, Hotels, domestic and overseas tourism, convention & Exhibition, Car Renting, media development and other areas.
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