Hong Kong Airport celebrates the completion of Third Runway pavements

Credit: Hong Kong International Airport

Officiating by Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region, Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) held a ceremony to mark the completion of runway pavement works for the new Third Runway, a major milestone of the Three-runway System (3RS) project at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

Speaking at the ceremony held on the new runway, Carrie Lam, Chief Executive, remarked, “3RS is an integral part of our vision to transform from a ‘city airport’ into an ‘Airport City’. According to an earlier forecast, 3RS would generate direct, indirect, and induced contributions of about 5 per cent of the gross domestic product of Hong Kong by 2030. It demonstrates that 3RS would inject impetus to HKIA, as well as the overall Hong Kong economy in the future. Leveraging the advantages of HKIA’s unique geographical location and its excellent service, I believe Hong Kong’s aviation industry will certainly seize the opportunities arising from various new infrastructures in the city and the significant synergy generated by integration of the airport’s core functions and related developments.”

“I would like to express my deep gratitude to the Chief Executive, board members, government departments, the banking industry and the airport community for their support to the 3RS project,” commented Jack So, Chairman of the AA. “Construction works of 3RS started in August 2016, which entails the formation of 650 hectares of land by reclamation. With the completion of reclamation and runway pavement works, we are confident that the new runway will commence operations in 2022 as planned. Other works including expansion of Terminal 2 (T2), construction of T2 Concourse, a new automated people mover system and high-speed baggage handling system will be completed in 2024 on schedule and within budget.”

“After its expansion, the airport will be able to handle the targeted annual passenger and cargo volume of around 120 million and 10 million tonnes respectively, enabling Hong Kong to enhance its status as an international aviation hub in accordance with the National 14th Five-Year Plan,” added So. “The AA is also developing an Airport City, comprising retail, dining, and entertainment facilities, as well as office towers, a logistics centre and a mega performance venue. These projects will be completed in phases from 2023 to 2027. Taking full advantage of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai Macao Bridge, the Airport City will be a unique landmark in the Greater Bay Area.”

Also attending the ceremony were John Lee, Chief Secretary; Frank Chan, Secretary for Transport and Housing; Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury; Victor Liu, Director-General of Civil Aviation; AA Board Members, Members of the Executive Council, President and Members of the Legislative Council, representatives from major business chambers, the tourism and hospitality sectors, as well as members from the airport community, among others.