Hong Kong’s 3-runway system to start operating on November 28

Hong Kong’s three-runway system will come into operation on November 28, the acting finance chief has announced, urging interested stakeholders to capitalise on the city’s expanded aviation hub. “The three-runway system will be commissioned later this month on November 28 … This will make Hong Kong an even stronger aviation hub,” acting financial secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun said at the opening of the Super Terminal Expo on Tuesday. Wong also called on the aviation stakeholders to seize opportunities generated by the expanded project and promised authorities would offer any help they needed. “It means Hong Kong will provide you with a lot of business and corporate opportunities. So do not miss it if you have plans to do business,” he said. “Talk to the Airport Authority, talk to our business community, talk to the Hong Kong government. We will see how to facilitate so that you can realise your dreams.” Authorities have been urged to turn the city into a world-class international aviation hub – a vision spelled out in Beijing’s latest five-year national plan. Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong affairs, Xia Baolong, urged the Airport Authority in July to capitalise on its unique advantages under the city’s “one country, two systems” governing principle and continue contributing to national development. The airport’s expansion project cost HK$141.5b (US$18b) and includes a new 3.8km third runway, a second terminal building opposite the existing one and a new concourse. The 650-hectare project is expected to increase the airport’s capacity by 50% to accommodate 120m passengers and 10m tonnes of cargo annually. Airport Authority acting CEO Vivian Cheung Kar-fay said the three-runway system would serve as a good opportunity for carriers to expand their operation in Hong Kong and the body was working hard to attract airlines and passengers to the city.<br/>