Airport Authority Hong Kong extends partnership with NATS Services for air traffic control support

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has reached an agreement to extend its contract with NATS Services, ensuring continued support for the secondment of Air Traffic Controllers.

This renewed partnership, initially established in 2018, will see NATS maintain its commitment to providing top-tier air traffic controllers at Hong Kong International Airport until 2029.

Martin Rolfe, NATS Chief Executive Officer, said: “The fact that the Airport Authority has continued to put their faith in NATS is testament to the incredibly strong relationship we’ve built and the results we’ve delivered so far. The scale of Hong Kong’s ambition and their embrace of technology is raising the bar for the industry and we are very proud to be playing a part in their ongoing success.”

Details of the contract extension of NATS

As the Air Navigation Service Provider at the world’s busiest single and dual runway airports, NATS is well placed to understand what it takes to provide a safe and efficient service in the most demanding operational environments. It has successfully recruited experienced controllers from all over the world to support the growing Hong Kong operation.

With Hong Kong’s three runway system (3RS) now operational, HKIA will be able to reach the ultimate target of 102 flights per hour, with forecast demand up to 120 million passenger trips and 10 million tonnes of air cargo.

Chapman Fong, Deputy Director, Corporate Development of AAHK, said, “Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has a longstanding reputation as one of the few airports in the world leading in both passenger and cargo service, with extensive intermodal connectivity with the Greater Bay Area including Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhuhai & Macau. 

“With the three-runway operation at HKIA commencing on 28 November 2024, the capacity of HKIA will be significantly enhanced, actualising its status as the international aviation hub. We encourage airlines to capture the opportunity to open more routes and increase frequency of flights connecting to Hong Kong and enjoy our hub function to connect with the rest of the region.”