Fraport AG's executive board chairman Dr. Wilhelm Bender took part in the official celebrations in Xi'an, China, to launch the German-Chinese joint-venture Xi'an Xianyang International Airport Co., Ltd. Holding a 24.5 percent share in the joint venture, Fraport is the first foreign airport operator to invest in a non-listed airport in China.

 

In his speech, Bender stressed that the Xi'an participation is an essential building block in Fraport's international expansion. Fraport is convinced of the sustainable development potential of China's aviation market. Fraport's Bender confirmed that the company is currently negotiating other projects in China.

Because of its central geographic location, Xi'an Airport has the potential of developing into a regional hub in the next few years. In addition, China's first imperial city attracts millions of Chinese and foreign tourists annually to its UNESCO World Heritage Site, the famous Terracotta Army. In cooperation with local partners and authorities, Fraport will focus on developing this potential. In particular, establishing more international air routes is a priority, as well as developing retail and real estate business at the airport. Fraport will be able to draw upon decades of extensive expertise gained at its Frankfurt home base and other international airport projects.

In conjunction with this joint-venture launch, Fraport officially activated its new Chinese-language Website at www.fraport.com.cn and www.fraport.cn. Chinese Internet users can now learn more about Fraport AG and its worldwide activities and get up-to-date information online in their own language.