Herbert Smith Freehills Kewei Joint Operation advises Changi Airports International on two China JVs

Herbert Smith Freehills Kewei Joint Operation has advised Singapore's Changi Airports International on two joint ventures for operation and management of non-aeronautical airport businesses in China.

Changi Airports China Pte. Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Changi Airport's operator, agreed a joint venture with Hainan Meilan International Airport Co., Ltd.

Earlier this year, the joint operation advised the company on a similar joint venture with Wuxi Sunan International Airport Group.

"We are honoured to have advised Changi Airports International on a second joint venture with a China airport in six months, and look forward to further assisting its expansion in China," said Gavin Guo, a partner of Herbert Smith Freehills Kewei Joint Operation based in Shanghai.

"Our team has a profound understanding of the business environment, regulatory landscape, and cultural nuances in China, which is indispensable for Southeast Asian and other international clients investing in the country."

The joint venture in Hainan will operate and manage certain non-aeronautical airport businesses at Haikou Meilan International Airport on an exclusive basis.

As one of the largest airports on Hainan Island, China's popular tropical holiday destination, Haikou Meilan Airport plays a pivotal role in the island's aviation and tourism sectors.

Gavin led the Herbert Smith Freehills Kewei Joint Operation team advising the client, supported by senior consultant Angela Zhao, associate Alvin Zheng and legal assistant Tonnie Zhang. Partner Weina Ye advised on disputes aspects of the transaction.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

With more than 40 years of history in Asia, Herbert Smith Freehills provides premium legal advice on dispute resolution, projects and transactions to the world’s most important organisations operating in and from the region. In Asia, the firm advises across industry sectors and strategically important areas, including private capital, ESG, energy transition and technology and digitalisation, from offices in Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, Jakarta,* Shanghai,* Singapore* and Tokyo.

*In Shanghai, the firm is part of a joint operation with Kewei, allowing access to China legal services alongside Herbert Smith Freehills' international expertise. In Jakarta, Herbert Smith Freehills' international counsel practise on secondment at its associate firm, Hiswara Bunjamin & Tandjung, one of Indonesia’s leading commercial and corporate law firms. In Singapore, Herbert Smith Freehills entered a Formal Law Alliance (FLA) with Prolegis LLC in 2015, that allows access to Prolegis' Singapore law capabilities.