Hong Kong International Airport set to increase runway capacity
25 May 2007
The announcement was welcomed by the local aviation industry.
"We are very encouraged by the Government's latest initiatives," said Cathay Pacific chief executive, Philip Chen. According to Cathay Pacific, this interim measure was crucial for Hong Kong's competitiveness as a leading global aviation hub, and it said that it looked forward to more breakthrough developments in the near future through active coordination with the mainland authorities.
The Hong Kong Airport Authority's acting CEO Raymond Lai also welcomed the news. "The enhancement in runway capacity will enable HKIA to better cope with the expected growth in demand for air traffic," Lai said.
"The improvements in runway capacity, together with other airport enhancement projects, will greatly strengthen HKIA's position as one of the major gateway hubs of mainland China."
Looking ahead, Chen highlighted the importance of continuous cooperation with the mainland authorities for a long-term solution to airspace congestion in the Pearl River Delta, and looked forward to more breakthrough developments soon.
"More efficient management of airspace is important not only to the economic development and hub competitiveness of Hong Kong but, most importantly, would be beneficial to all parties in the Pearl River Delta region.
"It would also bring about environmental improvements as a result of more efficient flight paths and a reduction in fuel consumption," he said.