Hong Kong finds suspected Omicron case of airport cleaner
>> The Hong Kong government said a 64-year-old male airport restroom cleaner has tested preliminarily positive for Covid-19 and is suspected to carry the omicron variant. The patient had no recent travel history and mainly worked at a designated restroom used by preliminarily positive imported case patients while they await transfer to the hospital, the Center for Health Protection said in a statement. Hong Kong has so far confirmed 34 imported omicron cases, and all had prior travel history.
Xi'an cancels all flights, begins third round of mass testing amid pressure from unclear transmission routes
>> Xi'an, the ancient city in Northwest China's Shaanxi Province, started this month's third round of mass testing on 13 million people on Thursday following the highest number of positive COVID-19 cases found in a single day. It has also canceled all flights at its airport and put all residential communities under closed management. Chinese flight tracking platform Feichangzhun showed that 765 flights that were scheduled on Thursday have been canceled. Only three international flights at the airport remained normal as of press time. Trains to multiple cities have also been suspended.
MBK Partners completes acquisition of four theme parks in China
>> HHAn Group announced its launch, after the completion of the acquisition by Asia’s leading private equity firm, MBK Partners, of four ocean parks in the Chinese cities of Wuhan, Chengdu, Tianjin, and Qingdao from Haichang Ocean Park Holdings Ltd. The new platform has appointed new and seasoned management, with rich experience and a strong industry track record, including former Haichang Ocean Park director Mr. Gao Jie as its new CEO, to lead the new platform forward and drive sustainable growth across its portfolio.
Lotte Group weighs $1.6 billion sale of China theme park
>> Lotte Group is considering offloading its stalled theme-park project in northeastern China for at least RMB 10 billion (USD 1.6 billion), according to people familiar with the matter. South Korea’s largest operator of hotels, theme parks and duty-free stores is working with an adviser to gauge interest from potential investors.
Theme parks boost winter attractions
>> As the year-end holiday season approaches, international and domestic theme parks and resorts have geared up to compete for more visitors in hopes of mitigating the impact of cold weather this year. Resort operators in North and East China have added winter attractions and events including festival decorations, moved shows indoors and run promotions for their fluffy themed toys. Universal Beijing Resort, which opened for the first time in September, unveiled its first winter visitor experience from Dec 3 to Jan 8, offering winter snacks, hot drinks and more than 100 kinds of themed products.
Airbus eyes expanding business in China
>> Airbus operated the first dual-test flight in China above its Tianjin plant on Dec 20. Two Airbus A320neos ordered by Juneyao Airlines and Spring Airlines conducted their test flights at the same time. The operation was supported by Beijing and Tianjin air traffic control centers. Last month, Airbus announced its Tianjin plant would expand and add Airbus A321 production capability. The expansion will complete during the third quarter of 2022.
Explorer Dream to resume cruises in Taiwan on Dec 31
>> Dream Cruises has announced the restart of cruises in Taiwan with the Explorer Dream resuming operations beginning on December 31. Explorer Dream will welcome passengers onboard for two- and three-night Super Seacations from Keelung to domestic destinations including Hualien, Anping and Kaoshiung.
