The partnership was signed on Oct. 15 during a ceremony at Routes World 2023 in Istanbul. The agreement includes joint marketing activities and efforts to support sustainable airline operations between the cities.

“The signature of the SEA with Shenzhen Airport Group marks an important milestone for the development of air traffic between Milan and China,” said Andrea Tucci, SEA vice president for aviation business development.

“Shenzhen is a strategic gateway to China as it is the third-most economically and technically developed city after Shanghai and Beijing. [The agreement puts] in place a strong cooperation, sharing insights and best practices.”

SEA is responsible for managing Milan’s Malpensa (MXP) and Linate airports under a contract signed with the Italian Civil Aviation Authority in 2001. It runs until 2043.

The agreement with Shenzhen comes less than a month after Hainan Airlines inaugurated a new route linking MXP and Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport. Flights will be offered three times per week every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday using Boeing 787s. This route is Hainan Airlines’ third nonstop service to Italy alongside Chongqing-Rome and Shenzhen-Rome.