Wuxi Minicipal Government signed an agreement with HNA Group on April 5 in a bid to further their strategic cooperation in the future.

Established in 1993, HNA Group has grown from a local transport company into a multinational involved in many industries, including real estate, tourism and financial services. It participates in 18 airlines and provides more than 2,600 domestic and foreign air routes.

Wuxi Party Secretary Li Xiaomin attended the signing ceremony and gave a brief introduction to the city's economic development.

Li said Wuxi city has focused on the promotion and expansion of Sunan Shuofang International Airport and the construction plans of more general airports. The cooperation is supposed to help the city become a national comprehensive transportation hub, and the government will give full support to HNA Group.

Chen Feng, chairman of HNA Group, was confident the company could help Wuxi develop its aviation industry as they are experienced in aviation services, airport management, and the development and construction of airport industrial parks.

Hainan Airlines, a subordinate of HNA Group, was awarded five-star status by the airlines rating agency Skytrax for the eighth consecutive year, an accolade which is viewed as the Oscars of the aviation industry.