CHINA/SWEDEN. Swedish airport company Swedavia and Capital Airports Holding Company (CAH), China’s largest airport group, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a sister relationship.
The agreement, signed in Beijing on 24 February, allows for extensive collaboration between Stockholm Arlanda Airport and the biggest airport in Asia, Beijing Capital International Airport.
Stockholm Arlanda Airport is the only Nordic airport served by a Chinese carrier: Air China. In 2013 the airline celebrated its 25th anniversary at Arlanda, and the daily route has led to strong connections between China and Sweden. Passenger numbers between Beijing and Stockholm have grown ten times faster than other international passenger routes at Arlanda during the last 15 years. In September last year Scandinavian airline SAS also inaugurated a direct route to Hong Kong from Stockholm. In conjunction with this Swedavia established an office in Hong Kong to stimulate the Asian market.
The number of business travellers on the Beijing-Stockholm route is substantial at 45%. Leisure travel is also growing: the number of Chinese visitors to Sweden increased by +28% in 2015. To welcome Chinese visitors, Arlanda has introduced Chinese traffic signs, airport hosts, a Chinese website and adapted its commercial offers.
 |
Penning a new partnership: Swedavia Group CEO Karl Wistrand and Capital Airports Holding President & CEO Liu Xuesong strike the agreement between the companies |
CAH President & CEO Liu Xuesong said: “Swedavia is a world leading airport group, and Stockholm Arlanda Airport under its management is a major European aviation hub connecting to the China market. Capital Airports Holding Company attaches great importance to the sister airport relationship with Swedavia, and CAH is willing to learn the rich experiences of green airport, sustainable development and airport management from its counterpart. Through the bond of sisterhood, the two sides will bring closer ties, enhance mutual trust and deepen friendship to open a new chapter for future cooperation.”
Swedavia Group CEO Karl Wistrand said: “We are looking forward to extending our already strong connections with China by adding this sisterhood relationship with the largest airport operator in China. It will give great opportunity for increased connectivity between our countries in both business and leisure travel. As environmental industry leaders we are hoping to be able to share best practices from our work on how to become a sustainable airport. It will also be beneficial for Arlanda to get Beijing Capital International Airport’s insights on airport infrastructure and a competitive airport city development.”
