CHINA/SINGAPORE. In big breaking news today, Changi Airports International (CAI) and Wuxi Sunan International Airport Group Co (Wuxi Airport Group) have established a new joint venture company to manage Wuxi Shuofang International Airport’s (WUX) non-aeronautical business.
Singapore-based CAI is a global airport consultant, manager and investor and Wuxi Airport Group a company wholly-owned by Wuxi Municipal People’s Government of China.
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. The commercial footprint comprises retail (including duty-free shops), food & beverage, advertising, car park and other passenger services at the passenger terminals. The scope also includes the future Terminal 3 and ground transportation centre.
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 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.
The airport is connected to 42 domestic destinations and six international destinations for passenger flights.
CAI Chief Executive Officer 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.” ✈
Footnote: Click here for our September 2023 coverage of Sino-Singapore Chongqing Airport Commercial Management Co’s opening of the ‘Starry Galleria’ multi-brand, multi-retailer zone at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport. At the same time DFS Group inaugurated a duty-paid shopping offer at the airport. Sino-Singapore Chongqing Airport Commercial Management Co is a joint venture set up by Changi Airports International and Chongqing Airport Group to manage the non-aeronautical business at the gateway to China’s fourth-biggest municipality.
