The expansion of the airport’s services and facilities heralds new opportunities for China’s gateway to the world.
How time flies! The fast-approaching Lunar New Year also marks the 100th anniversary of the now-defunct Kai Tak Airport. Since the first recorded flight took to the skies from the Kai Tak Bund a century ago, Hong Kong has made great strides in advancing its aviation credentials, as the three-runway system and Hong Kong International Airport’s recently unveiled Skytopia initiative connect the city to new opportunities.
Indeed, Skytopia builds on the legacies of Kai Tak and Hong Kong International Airport, tying the success of our city with the wider world. Passengers flying into Kai Tak bore exciting witness to an ever-expanding and never-sleeping city where towering buildings touch the sky.
Like Kai Tak Airport, Hong Kong International Airport was founded at a pivotal moment in Hong Kong’s history. Creating extra legroom, it emulated the success of its predecessor, transforming Lantau Island and elevating Hong Kong’s fortunes to new heights.
On the first day of 2025, the home-grown C919’s inaugural scheduled commercial flight between Shanghai and Hong Kong showcased our city to the world, showing that our role as the gateway to the Chinese mainland has never been stronger. As a global aviation hub, Hong Kong plays a vital role in expanding the reach of the new jetliner around the world.
It makes me proud that a Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department flight operation expert took part in the C919’s certification process. In October 2024, the Airport Authority signed a memorandum of understanding with aircraft manufacturer Comac to support C919 aircraft operations and promote them in overseas markets. With the three-runway system now in operation, the airport has even more headroom to expand supporting facilities for C919 maintenance.
However, a city is nothing without its people. In the wake of the C919’s inaugural flight, there is a growing need for maintenance personnel qualified to service the aircraft and the industry is actively training local engineers and mechanics. The Joint Maintenance Management Cooperation Arrangement – signed between the civil aviation authorities of the mainland, Hong Kong and Macau – enables holders of aircraft maintenance licences issued by the three authorities to work in the aircraft maintenance organisations located in the three places.
The Hong Kong International Aviation Academy, a subsidiary of the Airport Authority, is the second organisation in the world to receive Airports Council International – International Civil Aviation Organisation Trainair Plus Programme-Airport dual recognition.
It has provided a diverse range of programmes and courses to hundreds of thousands of local, mainland and overseas participants since 2017. The academy plans to expand training to cover aspects related to the C919 aircraft, which will help C919 enter overseas markets.
Last year, we also upgraded our aircraft leasing taxation regime. By taking advantage of our top-notch professional legal and financial expertise, Hong Kong operates as the ideal solution provider for leasing and financing aircraft such as the C919.
According to the Inland Revenue Department, at least 34 lessors have benefited from the regime in the 2023-24 year of assessment. Additionally, there have been more inquiries from potential lessors eager to use our platform to capture the growing aircraft leasing market, driven by rising global demand for new commercial aircraft, which is expected to approach 44,000 by 2043.
As a new era for aviation dawns, Skytopia’s planners are looking to embrace Hong Kong’s place in the sun wholeheartedly. Together with the Airport Authority, the government plans to turn Hong Kong International Airport into a shining beacon of the Lion Rock Spirit, one that gazes upon a bright future for the Greater Bay Area development zone and beyond.
Planning for new projects has already started to transform Hong Kong International Airport with new commercial, tourist and leisure activities. These include the creation of an ecosystem for the arts industry, the AsiaWorld-Expo Phase 2 expansion to strengthen our position as an international events hub, a 500-berth marina, a marketplace with fresh produce from across the globe and the inclusion of a new “sportainment” complex.
Skytopia plans to bring the Hong Kong experience, one of global appeal and professionalism, to visitors from around the Greater Bay Area and further afield. With around 200 destinations worldwide and seamless integration of cities within the bay area plan, Hong Kong is a world-leading aviation hub.
In the past two years, we have reached agreements with 10 partners across the globe to expand Hong Kong’s aviation capacity with these places by 60 per cent. To satisfy our ambitious growth target, Hong Kong International Airport is expanding its reach too, including increasing the number of city terminals in the bay area to 30.
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge and the Airport Authority’s recently acquired 35 per cent stake in Zhuhai Jinwan Airport have broadened Hong Kong International Airport’s horizons and given rise to products and services that leverage the collective vibrancy and creativity of cities under the bay area plan.
These include the automated car park for Park-and-Fly transfer passengers, the “Fly-Via-Zhuhai-Hong Kong” direct passenger service and many more, enabling passengers to revel in the high-end Hong Kong experience, with minimal hassle.
From Kai Tak to Hong Kong International Airport and Skytopia, Hong Kong’s aviation development is deeply intertwined with our community. As we reminisce about the times when planes whistled past windows in Kowloon City, we must also cherish our new achievements with Hong Kong International Airport.
Ms Mable Chan
Secretary for Transport and Logistics