Left: Signing Ceremony for MOU between CAG and Xiamen Airlines
Airport operator Changi Airport Group (CAG) and Xiamen Airlines have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on initiatives to grow connectivity and passenger traffic between Singapore Changi Airport and China.
Effective until March 31, 2018, the MOU formalizes the partnership to increase air services between the two countries, and to grow transit and transfer traffic from Southeast Asia and Southwest Pacific to and from China, via Singapore. CAG will also be working closely with Xiamen Airlines on exclusive offers and shopping promotions to enhance the retail and dining experience for its passengers at Changi Airport.
Lee Seow Hiang, CEO for CAG, said, “The Chinese market holds enormous potential and in terms of passenger traffic, Xiamen is currently the fourth largest Chinese city for Changi Airport, just behind the key metros of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. CAG values the deep partnership we have established with Xiamen Airlines, which has been a supportive and active partner in joint marketing activities in and outside of China. The signing of this MoU is a strategic step to enhance our connectivity through the establishment of more direct air services to new secondary and third-tier cities in China.”
Despite the decline in tourist arrivals from China to Singapore last year, Xiamen Airlines achieved positive growth of 5% in its passenger traffic between Singapore and China. Notably, the airline’s traffic at Changi Airport has achieved a strong growth of 28% for the first five months in 2015 compared with the same period last year.
Che Shanglun, chairman and president, Xiamen Airlines, said, “Southeast Asia, and in particular Singapore, is an important market for Xiamen Airlines. Ever since the first Xiamen-Singapore service was launched in 1986, the airline has continued to develop more services from Singapore to newer destinations in China. We are very happy to further our strategic partnership and look forward to continuing our close collaboration with CAG to provide a convenient and comfortable travel experience for more travelers in the future.”
