Changi Airports International (CAI) has entered into a joint venture agreement with Hainan Meilan International Airport Co. to manage the non-aeronautical commercial operations at Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK) – it includes exclusive rights to retail, food and beverage, advertising, leisure, and commercially important-person (CIP) airport services at the Chinese airport for a period of 10 years, starting from January 2025.
The joint-venture – where Hainan Meilan International Airport Co. owns 51 per cent and CAI 49 per cent – aims to transform HAK into an integrated consumer hub and level up consumer spending to enhance its commercial revenue. It will leverage Changi Airport’s brand reputation and expertise in airport commercial management to optimise passenger experience, increase retail offerings, and introduce new digital services such as e-commerce and loyalty programmes.
Through this partnership, the CAI-Meilan joint venture will enhance the airport’s ability to cater to both international and domestic travellers, foster better passenger satisfaction, drive revenue growth and strengthen its position as a top regional hub.
Located in Haikou city, the capital of Hainan Province, HAK serves as a vital gateway for both domestic and international travellers. As of October 2024, the airport connects 116 domestic destinations and 30 international destinations, solidifying its position as a key player in China’s aviation industry.
HAK has shown significant growth over the years, with a passenger throughput of 24.34 million passengers in 2023, ranking 18th among all airports in China’s mainland. In addition, the airport houses offshore duty-free shops where domestic travellers are able to purchase duty-free merchandise, which is a key component of non-aeronautical revenue growth potential.
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.”
