ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL NEWS
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A snapshot of some of the biggest stories from across the region.
Sweet success
Hong Kong International Airport is now even more colourful and appealing following the opening of an innovative new confectionery outlet containing eight sweet shops.
SWEET DREAMS by HEINEMANN covers an 820sqm area in Terminal 1, which the duty free operator says “focuses on sweet temptations”.
Each of the eight shops, ranging in size from 57sqm to 186sqm, has been designed according to an “extraordinary theme” ranging from the colourful diversity of a mysterious underwater world to the magical world of a bustling fair.
While entertainment such as 3D shows, chocolate printers, virtual reality entertainment and kid’s’ games are designed to engage and delight visitors.
“We want to redefine the possibilities of presenting confectionery with our concept, and create a really fun shopping ambience that inspires and captivates our customers,” enthuses Heinemann Asia Pacific’s CEO, Marvin von Plato.
CAI awarded Fukuoka airport concession
Changi Airports International (CAI), the international investment arm of the Changi Airport Group (CAG), has confirmed that it will add Japan’s Fukuoka Airport to its airport portfolio on April 1, 2019, courtesy of its stake in the Fukuoka Airport HD Group.
Fellow consortium members include Fukuoka Airport Holdings, Nishi-Nippon Railroad, Mitsubishi Corporation and Kyushu Electric Power.
In line with the original proposal, the consortium seeks to transform Fukuoka into the airport of choice for passengers and airlines, and has set its sights on obtaining a five-star rating from aviation consultancy SKYTRAX.
In an effort to expand the airport’s route network, the group insists that it will work to attract more airlines to Fukuoka Airport by offering simplified landing-fee structures and long-term discounts that will encourage the launch of new domestic and international flights.
It will also take steps to ensure that the airport provides travellers with more efficient services at check-in and security clearance and has promised to introduce a number of brand new concepts to the airport.
“Travellers will be constantly surprised with ways to have fun with a wider selection of food and beverage outlets, and retail options, as well as on-site entertainment,” says the consortium.
In addition, the consortium says that it will continue to work with local businesses to “revitalise the airport”, “ensure safe and secure operations” and “stimulate economic development in the immediate surroundings, and across Kyushu and the rest of Western Japan.”
CAI’s global assets include a 40% share in the consortium responsible for operating Rio de Janeiro’s Tom Jobim International Airport (Galeão) and a 30% stake in Basel Aero, the management company trusted to develop the Russian airports of Krasnodar, Sochi, Anapa and Gelendzhik in Krasnodar Krai.
Celebrations as Sihanouk opens new terminal
Cambodians celebrate the opening of Sihanouk International Airport’s new-look terminal, which has been revamped and expanded as part of a $150 million investment programme.
The airport handled a record 338,000 passengers in 2017 and with traffic numbers set to soar over the next five years – the beach resort of Sihanoukville is one of the fastest growing destinations in the country for foreign tourists – operator, Cambodia Airports, felt that the time was right for an upgrade.
As a result, the terminal has almost doubled in size to 4,800sqm and boasts new and improved check-in and departures halls, a modernised baggage reclaim area and a host of new equipment that includes the installation of a state-of-the-art baggage handling system (BHS).
The airport is also quick to note that in addition to the enhanced overall comfort levels provided by the newly expanded complex, the terminal now offers a range of new F&B outlets and commercial facilities operated by local and international brands such as The Monkey Republic, Blue Flight and Plaza Premium Lounge.
Nicolas Notebaert, director general of VINCI Concessions and president of VINCI Airports, which holds a controlling 70% stake in Cambodia Airports, says: “We are opening a new chapter in the development of Sihanouk International Airport, to help promote the economic, tourist and social growth of the coast of Cambodia.”
Apron expansion project at Macau International Airport
Mott MacDonald is providing airfield and apron design consultancy services to Macau International Airport as the gateway looks to expand the airfield next to its south terminal to accommodate future traffic growth.
The gateway handled four million passengers in the first half of 2018, up 20% from the previous year, and passenger numbers are expected to keep growing during the second half of the year as new airlines launch routes to Macau.
Mott MacDonald will deliver civil, structural, electrical and mechanical engineering, apron planning, airport systems and technical advisory services on the apron expansion project.
Once complete, the apron will cater for all required aircraft types, while its multi-centreline stands configuration will be a first for the airport.
Kwai Chan, Mott MacDonald’s project manager, said: “It’s great to be able to introduce a new multi-centreline stands parking arrangement at Macau, which will help maximise land use.
“This latest commission builds on our long-term commitment to improving operations at the airport. We worked on the extension of the north terminal, which opened to passengers earlier this year, from concept to completion, while we’re currently working on the east apron optimisation project which is already underway. We also designed overlay for the airport’s single runway, which will improve its strength and cater for rapidly increasing aircraft traffic once operational.”
