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Meilan Airport has been awarded the title of “Five-Star Airport” for eight consecutive years.
June 16, 2025, 05:52 PM
Changi Aiport Group (CAG) and Haikou Meilan International Airport (Meilan Airport) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Jun. 15, with the aim of fostering mutual growth and connectivity in the region.
Under the two-year agreement, the two organisations will be working closely in areas such as airport management, route and cargo development, staff training, and technology innovation.
“By combining our strengths and expertise, we look forward to unlocking new opportunities for growth, advancing technology adoption, and enhancing air connectivity in the region,” said CAG CEO Yam Kum Weng.
Two-year agreement
The two organisations will be sharing knowledge and best practices in airport operations, which includes terminal management and airside management.
The MOU also outlines a commitment to promote the exchange of skills and expertise between the two organisations through staff training under a joint venture established between Changi Airports International (CAI), CAG’s subsidiary, and Meilan Airport in October 2024.
The 10-year agreement, which commenced in January 2025, split the rights of managing Meilan Airports non-aeronautical businesses between between CAI and Hainan Meilan International Airport Co. Ltd.
The organisations have also agreed to collaborate on developing new air routes by furthering the direct and transit connections between Singapore and Meilan Airport, as well as other airports in Hainan Province.
Beyond that, it seeks to strengthen air connectivity between countries under the “Belt and Road Initiative”, which include countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America.
In terms of cargo development, the cooperation will enhance the digitalisation and improve the operational efficiency of Hainan Free Trade Port to position it as a global logistics hub.
Meilan Airport
Designed to accommodate 35 million passengers and 400,000 tonnes of cargo each year, Meilan Airport currently serves 138 cities via 227 flight routes.
In 2017, it became the first airport on the Chinese mainland and the eighth in the world to receive Skytrax’s 5-Star Airport Rating, and has maintained the title for eight consecutive years.
Yam expressed his delight in formalising CAG’s partnership with Meilan Airport, saying: “The collaboration reflects our shared vision for driving operational excellence and innovations in aviation.”
Top image via Changi Airport/Facebook & Haikou Meilan International Airport
