Hong Kong International Airport’s long-awaited three-runway system officially went into operation on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the city’s aviation history. The new system is set to enhance Hong Kong’s status as a premier international aviation hub, expanding its capacity to unprecedented levels.
At the inauguration ceremony, John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, lauded the development. “The new system will greatly enhance the airport’s passenger and cargo capacity, bringing substantial business opportunities to Hong Kong,” he stated.
The state-of-the-art system is expected to enable the airport to handle an impressive 120 million passenger trips and 10 million tonnes of cargo annually. This expansion positions Hong Kong International Airport as a pivotal gateway between the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the rest of the world.
Lee urged the city’s aviation industry to seize this opportunity. “We must rapidly restore air capacity, actively leverage the advantages of the Greater Bay Area, and fully expand international connections,” he emphasized, highlighting the strategic role the airport plays in social and economic development.
Fred Lam, Chairman of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, hailed the operation of the new system as a “milestone.” He commented, “The three-runway system will create conditions to further expand the extensive air connectivity network, consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international aviation hub.”
The launch was also attended by Vice Minister of Transport Xu Chengguang and Deputy Head of the Civil Aviation Administration of China Liang Nan, who both voiced the country’s support for Hong Kong to better integrate into national development.
Construction of the three-runway system, one of Hong Kong’s largest infrastructure projects in recent years, began in August 2016 with an estimated cost of around 141.5 billion Hong Kong dollars (approximately $18.18 billion). The project includes the 3,800-meter third runway, an expansion of the Terminal 2 passenger building, a new concourse, an automated people mover system, and a baggage handling system. The third runway itself was put into operation in July 2022.
The enhanced infrastructure is anticipated to not only boost passenger and cargo volumes but also to strengthen Hong Kong’s connectivity and competitiveness in the global aviation market. As the world continues to recover from the pandemic, the new system arrives at a pivotal time for revitalizing international travel and trade.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
