Group 1: Aviation Industry - The aviation sector is expected to enter a super cycle, driven by high passenger load factors and low ticket prices, with demand growth anticipated to boost profitability by 2026 [1] - Recent public and business demand has shown recovery, with ticket prices increasing year-on-year due to the release of suppressed demand from the summer season [1] - The State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission emphasized the need for state-owned enterprises to resist "involution" competition, which may enhance revenue management and profitability in the aviation sector [1] Group 2: Oil Transportation - Oil transportation rates remain high, with the VLCC TCE maintaining around $120,000, driven by increased global oil production and limited effective supply due to aging tankers [2] - The outlook for oil transportation is positive, with expectations of demand growth exceeding forecasts, despite potential short-term impacts from seasonal fluctuations [2] - The U.S. has intensified sanctions on shadow fleets, which may further support the upward trend in oil transportation rates [2] Group 3: Airport Duty-Free - Shanghai Airport has announced a new duty-free contract model, shifting to a fixed fee plus actual sales commission, which may stabilize or enhance duty-free revenue [3] - The introduction of competition between domestic and international duty-free operators is expected to drive sales growth and improve pricing competitiveness [3] - The new contract structure and competitive environment are likely to incentivize duty-free operators, potentially leading to increased operational enthusiasm [3]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Positive" investment rating for the airport service industry [8]. Core Insights - The introduction of foreign participants in the new round of duty-free tenders at Shanghai Pudong, Hongqiao, and Beijing Capital airports marks a significant change in the competitive landscape [2][4]. - Dufry, a global leader in travel retail, has entered the bidding process, indicating a shift towards a more diversified and competitive market in China's duty-free sector [4][21]. - The bidding rules now allow only one segment win per bidder, breaking the previous monopoly held by China Duty Free Group [14][21]. - The overall commission rates for duty-free contracts are expected to increase unless there is a substantial growth in sales volumes [2][6]. Summary by Sections Duty-Free Tender Competition Intensifies - Major airports in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen have seen a significant drop in international passenger numbers from 2020 to 2022, leading to the expiration of restructured duty-free contracts [4][16]. - The new bidding process allows for foreign companies to participate, which is a departure from the previous exclusive operations by domestic firms [14][21]. Changes in Duty-Free Contract Commission Rates - The new contracts at Shanghai Airport utilize a "fixed rent + additional commission" model, which is a high minimum guarantee combined with lower commission rates [6][40]. - If the sales volume at Shanghai Pudong Airport reaches 15 billion yuan, the comprehensive commission rate could drop to approximately 22%, aligning with previous contract levels [6][40]. Airport Fundamentals and Recovery - The airport sector is undergoing significant fixed asset investments due to historical external shocks, with a stable recovery in passenger volumes expected [7][43]. - Airports like Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Shanghai are projected to have absolute yield value amidst improving mid-term operational data [7][43].

Core Viewpoint - The iconic "Dayang Duty-Free" store, which has been a part of Shanghai Pudong Airport for 26 years, is set to lose its bidding qualification for the airport's duty-free business, potentially exiting the airport by 2026 due to a board decision led by its major shareholder, China Duty Free Group [1][5]. Group 1: Company Overview - Dayang Duty-Free (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. is one of the first foreign brands approved by the Chinese government to operate airport duty-free stores, having opened its first store at Shanghai Pudong International Airport in 1999 [7]. - The company has expanded its operations to major airports, including Beijing Capital International Airport (T2 and T3 terminals) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (T1 terminal), becoming a key retail brand at these core gateway airports [7]. Group 2: Cultural Significance - The yellow sign of Dayang Duty-Free has become a nostalgic symbol for many travelers, particularly students and frequent flyers, representing a warm memory associated with their journeys [7]. - The store is viewed not just as a retail outlet but as a ceremonial space for purchasing gifts before departure and duty-free items upon return, marking a significant cultural touchpoint for a generation [7].

Core Viewpoint - The board of directors of RiShang Duty Free (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. is in a dispute regarding participation in the Shanghai airport duty-free project bidding, with the majority of directors opposing the bid, potentially leading to the company's exit from the airport market [3][5]. Group 1: Company Background - RiShang Duty Free was established in June 1999 and is the first foreign company to operate airport duty-free shops in China [5]. - In 2018, China Tourism Group's subsidiary, China Duty Free Group, acquired a 51% stake in RiShang Duty Free, becoming the controlling shareholder [5]. - The company operates primarily at Beijing Capital International Airport and Shanghai's Pudong and Hongqiao International Airports [6][7]. Group 2: Current Situation - On December 6, 2025, a board meeting was held where the chairman, appointed by the major shareholder China Duty Free Group, indicated that the company would not participate in the bidding for the Shanghai airport duty-free project [3]. - The bidding process for the Shanghai airport duty-free shops began on November 17 and is set to close on December 9, 2025 [3]. - The disagreement among shareholders raises questions about the future of RiShang Duty Free's operations at Shanghai airport, as the chairman's refusal to sign the bidding documents could prevent the company from participating [3].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the internal conflict within RiShang Duty Free (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. regarding its participation in the Shanghai airport duty-free project bidding, highlighting the influence of its major shareholder, China Tourism Group (CTG), which may lead to RiShang being excluded from the bidding process [2][4]. Group 1: Company Background - RiShang Shanghai was established in June 1999 and is the first foreign company to operate airport duty-free shops in China [4]. - In 2018, CTG acquired a 51% stake in RiShang Shanghai, becoming the controlling shareholder [4]. - The company operates primarily at Beijing Capital International Airport and Shanghai's Pudong and Hongqiao International Airports [6]. Group 2: Recent Developments - On December 6, 2023, a board meeting was held where CTG's appointed directors voted against RiShang Shanghai participating in the bidding for the Shanghai airport duty-free project [2]. - The bidding process for the Shanghai Pudong and Hongqiao International Airport duty-free shops began on November 17 and is set to close on December 9, 2023 [2]. - RiShang Shanghai's representatives expressed that the decision contradicts the agreement made when CTG took over the company in 2018 [2].

Core Insights - Shenzhen Airport's duty-free business has been upgraded with the opening of new duty-free stores, enhancing its service coverage for inbound and outbound passenger flows [1] - The airport aims to establish itself as a globally influential consumption center through the development of its duty-free economy [1] Summary by Sections - **New Duty-Free Stores**: Three new duty-free stores have opened in the T3 terminal, strategically located in key passenger flow areas to cover the entire process from departure to arrival [1] - **Partnership and Operations**: Shenzhen Airport has partnered with Shenzhen Duty-Free Group to establish Shenzhen Pengsheng Airport Duty-Free Goods Co., Ltd., which operates the international duty-free business [1] - **Store Layout and Offerings**: The total area of duty-free stores at Shenzhen Airport has exceeded 2,000 square meters, featuring products from over 400 brands [1]