Airport Authority awards more commercial catering licences

(HONG KONG, 28 August 1997) -- The Airport Authority (AA) has awarded two more commercial catering licences at Hong Kong SkyMart, the world-class retail complex inside the passenger terminal at the new airport at Chek Lap Kok.

Both licences are for Asian-themed outlets with 58 month terms. Jumbo Mass Ltd has been awarded one licence to operate a landside outlet in the Departures check-in hall. The other licence went to LSG Lufthansa Service Hong Kong Ltd (LSG), which will operate two airside outlets -- a self-service cafeteria and a snack bar -- in the Departures boarding area.

Jumbo Mass Ltd is a subsidiary of Banana Leaf Holdings Ltd, which was established in 1988. Banana Leaf Holdings Ltd operates seven Banana Leaf Curry Houses, two Thai and three Shanghai restaurants in Hong Kong, and has established a strong brand recognition for Southeast and Southern Asian food. Jumbo Mass Ltd will operate a Banana Leaf Curry House Asian Food Centre in the public landside area of the passenger terminal.

LSG has extensive airport catering experience, operating 64 airport restaurants around the world, including one at Hong Kong International Airport at Kai Tak. Earlier this year, LSG won a licence to operate two Western-themed foodcourts at Hong Kong SkyMart; one airside and the other landside.

AA Finance and Commercial Director Mr Raymond Lai welcomed the award of the new licences: "The two new licences bring the number of food and beverage outlets so far at Hong Kong SkyMart to 25 - or 27 if two staff canteen outlets are included. There will be a wide range of choices for the tens of millions of people who will visit Hong Kong SkyMart every year."

Added AA General Manager - Retail Mr Fred Chiu: "These outlets will be run by two experienced operators, and are an exciting addition to our growing and innovative product mix. SkyMart's vast range of international restaurants and cafes will cater to all tastes, while the award of these Asian-themed outlets in particular is a fitting symbol of Hong Kong's growing role as a regional destination and aviation hub."

Notes:

Landside - non-restricted area before Immigration and security screening

Airside - restricted area after Immigration and security screening

Ref. PR-298