COMMERCIAL OFFERINGS IN CHONGQING TO BE ENHANCED BY NEW CAI JOINT VENTURE

Singapore Changi subsidiary, Changi Airports International (CAI), today established a new company to oversee the development of non-aeronautical operations at China’s Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport.

Its partner in the project is the Chongqing Airport Group, which will hold a 51% stake in the newly created Chongqing Airport Commercial Management Co Ltd.

CAI, which holds a 49% interest in the new joint venture, is the international investment arm of Singapore Changi operator, Changi Airport Group (CAG).

According to CAI, the agreement will cover enhancing the commercial landscape at the Chinese gateway by introducing “experiential concepts” that promote a sense of place, as well as new product categories and brands, to meet the changing preferences of passengers and visitors to the airport.

The new company will also manage CIP facilities, car park and advertising in the terminals and Ground Transport Centre.

CAI’s CEO, Lim Liang Song, says: “Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport is a major aviation hub for airlines in Western China and we are honoured to be able to play a part in defining its commercial experience.

“The joint venture is an affirmation of our good working relationship with its management and their trust in our capabilities, which started in 2008 when they appointed CAI to consult on the commercial development of one of its terminal.”

The CCI, launched in November 2015, is the third government-to-government project between Singapore and China.

It focuses on developing financial services, aviation, transport and logistics, and information and communication technology in the city.

CAI’s first successful collaboration with the airport’s management team in 2008 saw commercial sales per passenger increase by 20% when the terminal became operational in 2010.

CAI was engaged again in 2011 to work with the team to plan the commercial space for the new terminal 3A.

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport is the ninth busiest airport in China and handled 41 million passengers in 2018.

The airport recently won the ACI ASQ award for Best Airport in Asia Pacific region (25-40mppa).