Hong Kong’s 3-runway system to go into service in November

Hong Kong’s three-runway system is scheduled to go into service next month after the Airport Authority acquires the needed licences and completes the final round of tests. Transport and Logistics Bureau officials also said on Tuesday they would expand Hong Kong’s aviation network to fill new capacity arising from the system, revealing that eight airlines would launch 11 new routes under a subsidy scheme managed by the Airport Authority. Authority executive director Steven Yiu Siu-chung told lawmakers the final crucial task was to designate the third-runway system as a restricted zone and obtain the licence from the Civil Aviation Department. “Obtaining the licence is like taking an exam with 900 aspects to pass, including meeting the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation,” Yiu said. “We need to provide blueprints, test records and conduct on-site coordination with the Civil Aviation Department and then obtain the licences hopefully in mid-November. We then need to test the Civil Aviation Department’s landing system using an aircraft, stimulating taxiing on the taxiway or runway.” He added an annual incident drill would be held next Monday and Tuesday involving 1,000 people including the Fire Services Department. The airport’s expansion project cost HK$141.5b (US$18b) and includes a new 3.8km (2.3 mile) third runway, a second terminal building opposite the existing one and new concourse. The authority added the main primary construction of the terminal building was finished with all glass curtain walls in place, ensuring weather protection, while evaluation of power generation procedures was under way.<br/>