Changi subsidiary to boost non-aero business at Chinese airport
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Changi Airport Group subsidiary, Changi Airports International (CAI), has established a joint venture to manage the non-aeronautical business at China’s Wuxi Shuofang International Airport (WUX).
The new JV is with Wuxi Sunan International Airport Group Co Ltd (Wuxi Airport Group), a company wholly-owned by Wuxi Municipal People’s Government of China.
Under the terms if the agreement, the joint venture will operate and manage five key areas of the airport’s non-aeronautical business on an exclusive concessionary basis for 20 years.
According to CAI, this comprises retail (including duty-free shops), food and beverage, advertisement, car park and passenger services at the airport’s passenger terminals. The scope also includes the future Terminal 3 and ground transportation centre.
CAI CEO, Eugene Gan, said: “Wuxi Shuofang International Airport plays a pivotal role in advancing Jiangsu province’s economic and tourism development. We are deeply honoured and excited to start a new partnership with Wuxi Airport Group to jointly uplift the commercial positioning of Shuofang Airport.
“CAI will leverage its deep knowledge of the Chinese market and industry expertise to enhance the non-aeronautical performance of Shuofang airport.
“Among other things, we will improve the airport’s commercial layout and design, introduce more diverse and international retail and F&B selections, as well as create better leisure and entertainment options to enrich passenger experience.”
Wuxi Shuofang International Airport is the primary hub serving the vibrant cities of Wuxi and Suzhou in southern Jiangsu, China.
It is situated within the Yangtze River Delta Economic Zone, one of China’s main economic and commercial centres and home to many of the world’s top exporters of electronic equipment, chemicals, and textiles.
The airport is also located near the northern shore of Lake Tai, China’s third-largest freshwater lake, making it a convenient gateway for domestic and international tourists eager to visit this famous scenic spot.
At the start of 2024, the airport was connected to 42 domestic destinations and six international destinations for passenger flights.
