Changi Airports International has partnered with Hainan Meilan International Airport Co., Ltd. (00357.HK) to oversee the non-aeronautical business aspects of Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK). Through this joint venture, Hainan Meilan holds a 51% stake while CAI controls 49%. They will exclusively handle the airport’s retail, dining, advertising, leisure, and commercially important-person (CIP) services in China for a decade, beginning in January 2025.
The collaborative effort between CAI-Meilan will transform Haikou Meilan International Airport into a comprehensive consumer hub through this joint venture. The goal is to increase consumer spending and boost commercial income by leveraging the established brand and expertise of Changi Airport in managing airport commerce. This partnership aims to elevate the passenger experience by expanding retail options, integrating digital services like e-commerce and loyalty programs, and optimizing overall airport utilization.
Revamping Haikou Meilan International Airport into a Top-Tier Travel Gateway
As of October 2024, Haikou Meilan International Airport, situated in the capital of Hainan Province, Haikou city, maintains connections to 116 domestic and 30 international destinations. This extensive network underscores its crucial role in the Chinese aviation sector.
The CAI-Meilan joint venture has prioritized several areas for development:
- Retail Operations: The initiative aims to broaden the selection and improve the quality of both local and international brands. This includes the introduction of new offshore and international duty-free shopping options.
- Food & Beverage: The airport is dedicated to expanding its dining offerings to include a diverse array of choices that appeal to both local patrons and international visitors.
- Advertising and Leisure Services: Efforts are being made to boost brand visibility and enhance passenger amenities, including areas for relaxation and entertainment.
- CIP Lounge Services: The airport is enhancing its lounge services to offer top-tier experiences for premium travelers.
In terms of growth, Haikou Meilan International Airport recorded a passenger throughput of 24.34 million in 2023, making it the 18th busiest airport in mainland China. It has a capacity to accommodate 35 million passengers per annum, demonstrating its significant role and expansion potential. The airport also features offshore duty-free shops that provide domestic travelers with the opportunity to purchase duty-free goods, significantly contributing to its non-aeronautical revenue growth.
In 2023, Haikou Meilan International Airport welcomed 24.34 million travelers, positioning it 18th in terms of passenger volume across Chinese airports. Previously, in 2019, the airport managed 1.4 million international passengers, accounting for 6% of its total traffic. However, the number dropped to 480,000 international passengers in 2023, highlighting potential areas for expansion. The collaboration between CAI-Meilan aims to amplify the airport’s services to international and domestic patrons, boosting passenger satisfaction, increasing revenue, and solidifying its status as a key regional hub.
Mr Eugene Gan, Chief Executive of CAI, said, “Our collaboration with Meilan Airport stems from the shared vision of creating a world-class airport environment that supports both passenger experience and economic development. It marks a key milestone in the expansion of CAI’s global footprint and we look forward to working closely with HAK to transform the airport into a hub of choice for travellers and retailers alike.
“With China’s growing economic and tourism potential, this partnership also supports Hainan’s goal to become a global tourism and trade centre. By harnessing CAI’s expertise, HAK is poised to attract more international brands, enhance the airport’s infrastructure, and solidify its position as a leader in the region’s travel and trade sectors.”
The post Changi Airports International and Hainan Meilan to Revolutionize Commercial Services at Haikou Airport appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
