Facing keen competition from its counterparts in the Mainland and the region, the Airport Authority is working hard to maintain Hong Kong International Airport's position as the region's aviation hub.

     Its Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hui said the authority plans to optimise facilities and services - increasing runway capacity and considering the construction of a third runway - to keep abreast of market developments and hone its competitive edge.

 

For a start, the authority and the Civil Aviation Department are working closely to maximise the two existing runways' capacity. Hourly air traffic movements will see an increase from 55 to 68 in 2015.

     The authority has launched a study on the construction of a third runway, which is expected to take two years. Mr Hui said they need detailed research, including the estimated construction time, feasibility of landfills, resources and funds needed, and economic and environmental effects.

 

For the year ended March 31, the number of passengers using the airport rose to 48.9 million from 45 million, while the amount of cargo shifted rose to 3.8 million tonnes. There were about 300,000 aircraft landings and takeoffs.

     The authority estimates the airport passenger traffic and cargo throughput will almost double by 2025, to 80 million passengers and 8 million tonnes of cargo. Aircraft movements are expected to hit 490,000. To meet the rapid development of the aviation industry and rising number of passengers, the authority launched a $4.5 billion capacity-enhancement programme in 2006. It includes expanding the Departures Immigration halls in terminal 1, and building a new satellite concourse with 10 bridge-served aircraft stands to support small aircraft movements.

     The authority has also taken steps to consolidate the airport's position as an international freight centre, investing $300 million to build 10 new cargo stands, bringing the total number to 34. A new cargo terminal will open in 2011, which is expected to push the airport's cargo throughput to 7.4 million tonnes a year. 

       A precious-metals depository has also been set up during the last year, to provide a central storage facility for traders, institutional investors, gold producers and refineries. Though competition from other airports is steep, air transport research organisation Skytrax has named Hong Kong International Airport the world's best for the seventh time in eight years.

     Mr Hui believes the airport has exclusive advantages, including its well-developed infrastructure and huge international aviation network. Over the years, it has developed a network connecting with more than 150 cities -including 40 in the Mainland - with more than 800 flights daily. The huge global network and flight density contribute to it strong competitiveness.

     Mr Hui also attributed the airport's success to Hong Kong's role as an international financial, logistics and tourist centre, which attracts travellers and helps establish a broad global network.