CAI CONFIRMS THAT IT WILL OPERATE JAPAN’S FUKUOKA AIRPORT FROM APRIL NEXT YEAR

Changi Airports International (CAI), the international investment arm of the Changi Airport Group (CAG), today confirmed that it will add Japan’s Fukuoka Airport to its airport portfolio. 

CAI is a key member of Fukuoka International Airport Co Ltd, which today signed a Project Agreement with Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) for the operation of Fukuoka Airport. 

The company was established by the Fukuoka Airport HD Group, a consortium led by Fukuoka Airport Holdings, and comprising Nishi-Nippon Railroad, Mitsubishi Corporation, CAI and Kyushu Electric Power. 

The consortium is now preparing to run Fukuoka Airport with effect from April 1, 2019. 

In line with the original proposal, the consortium seeks to transform Fukuoka Airport 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 domestic and international flight networks, the consortium will work to attract airlines to Fukuoka Airport by offering simplified landing-fee structures and long-term discounts in order to secure flight routes. 

The consortium will also take steps to ensure that the airport provides travellers with more efficient services at check-in and security clearance. 

It promises 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 consotrium.

In addition, the consortium says that it will continue to work with local businesses to “revitalise the airport, and ensure safe and secure operations”.

The consortium adds that it is confident that the airport’s upgrade “will help to stimulate economic development in the immediate surroundings, and across Kyushu and the rest of Western Japan.”

Global assets

CAI has a 40% share in the consortium responsible for operating Rio de Janeiro’s Tom Jobim International Airport (Galeão).

In Russia, it has a 30% stake in Basel Aero, the management company trusted to develop the airports of Krasnodar, Sochi, Anapa and Gelendzhik in Krasnodar Krai. The other stakeholders in the joint venture are Russia’s Basic Element group and OJSC Sberbank.

Also in Russia, CAI has a 33.3% stake in the consortium responsible for operating Vladivostok International Airport. Investment partners Basic Element and the Russia Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) also have a 33.3% shareholding in the gateway.

Elsewhere CAI has a 36.7% holding in Bengal Aerotropolis Project Ltd, which is developing a greenfield airport and township in Durgapur in West Bengal, India.

CAI is also a key partner in a consortium that had signed a Framework Agreement with Myanmar’s Department of Civil Aviation designed to pave the way for the concession for Yangon’s new Hanthawaddy International Airport. The consortium comprises CAI (20%), JGC Corporation (55%) and Yongnam Holdings Limited (25%).