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November 30, 2024
Following the completion of the annual flagship event, "Hong Kong Maritime Week" last week, the Transport and Logistics Bureau welcomed two major aviation milestones this week, propelling Hong Kong's aviation development into a new era.
Three-Runway System Commissioned
The Three-runway System at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), which began consultation in 2011 and construction in August 2016, is comparable in scale to building a new airport next to the existing one. Just two days ago (November 28), the Three-runway System was put into operation. The Three runways can now operate simultaneously: the South Runway, the new North Runway which commenced operations in November 2022, and the Centre Runway, which was reconfigured from the original North Runway. This development provides a broader dimension for Hong Kong's aviation growth, allowing HKIA to handle approximately 120 million passengers and 10 million tons of cargo annually starting from 2035.
At the beginning of the Three-runway System project, I exchanged views with the then Transport and Housing Bureau from an engineering perspective on how the government could monitor the implementation of the project while I was at the Highways Department. Now, in my new position as the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, I am both excited and moved to witness the triumphant completion of the Three-runway System. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to the project, especially the frontline workers. This mega project, completed on time and within budget despite the unprecedented challenges of the three-year pandemic, confirms that Hong Kong's engineering management standards are truly world-class.
The Three-runway System is not only a significant mega infrastructure but also a key component of Hong Kong's economic development. HKIA connects to nearly 200 global destinations at the moment, and the added capacity allows for further expansion of the aviation network, strengthening HKIA's connectivity, increasing passenger and cargo flow, and creating vast opportunities and economic value for the airport city and surrounding sectors such as business, tourism, trade, and logistics. This will generate numerous job opportunities and inject new momentum into the economy and people's livelihoods.
The Three-runway System commenced operations on November 28.
Hong Kong-Zhuhai Cooperation
The momentum of HKIA also extends to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), contributing to the world-class airport cluster mentioned in the “Outline Development Plan for Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area"
Since 2006, the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) started to manage the Zhuhai Airport, resulting in a significant increase in passenger volume, making the Zhuhai Airport one of the major airports in the GBA. The collaboration between the AAHK and Zhuhai Airport elevated to the next level on Tuesday (November 28), with the AAHK acquiring a 35% stake in Zhuhai Airport for approximately 4.3 billion RMB. I also attended the signing ceremony in Zhuhai to witness this memorable moment.
I attended the signing ceremony between AAHK and Zhuhai Airport in Zhuhai on November 26.
Last December, AAHK launched the "Fly via Zhuhai-HK" service, utilising Zhuhai Airport’s domestic air network to connect directly to HKIA via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, in an “air-land-air” multimodal transport model that links the two regions’ aviation networks. As of the end of October, nearly 40,000 passengers have used this innovative service. AAHK plans to expand this service to more cities in the Mainland, invite participation from more airlines, and explore extending the service hours of "Fly via Zhuhai-HK".
We will also advance other aspects of cooperation with Zhuhai, including the development of international air freight services and promoting the establishment of a high-end aviation industry cluster. The multimodal transport network established with Zhuhai and other cities in the GBA will strengthen our connections with the entire country and fully leverage our role as a "super connector" between the Mainland and the international community, enabling HKIA to serve the entire nation.
As noted by the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong, Hong Kong must continue to develop its land, sea, and air "ports". The Three-runway System represents a remarkable achievement in airport development. Its completion will not only meet the long-term demand for air traffic but also solidify Hong Kong's strategic position as an international aviation hub, and the AAHK’s investment in Zhuhai Airport also exemplifies the complementary advantages between Hong Kong and the GBA cities. I would like to echo the Chief Executive’s hope expressed at Three-runway System Commissioning Ceremony that, by leveraging the significant aviation milestones launched last week, Hong Kong's aviation development will soar to new heights.