Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po (left) gets a briefing from Chief Executive Officer of the Airport Authority Hong Kong Fred Lam (right) on the progress of various projects during a visit to the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and the construction site of HKIA's three-runway system on April 12, 2021. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

HONG KONG - The long-term development projects at the Hong Kong International Airport are critical to the city’s recovery once the pandemic subsides, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said Monday.

According to a government statement, Chan made the remark while visiting the construction site of the HKIA's three-runway system (3RS) to learn about the progress of major projects of the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA).

The airport's three-runway system will help maintain Hong Kong's overall competitiveness as an international aviation hub, create employment opportunities and benefit the well-being of our community, bringing long-term economic and social benefits to Hong Kong.

Paul Chan Mo-po, HKSAR Financial Secretary  

"The pandemic has brought about a significant impact on the aviation industry around the world, but I am confident that the industry and air traffic will gradually recover after the pandemic. The various long-term development projects at HKIA are critical in order to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the market when it recovers,” Chan was quoted as saying in the statement.

“The 3RS will help maintain Hong Kong's overall competitiveness as an international aviation hub, create employment opportunities and benefit the well-being of our community, bringing long-term economic and social benefits to Hong Kong," he added.

Chan was accompanied by Chairman of the AA Jack So and Chief Executive Officer of the AA Fred Lam. Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport) Mable Chan also joined the visit.

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Chan was first briefed on the progress of various projects under the Airport City strategy, including the 3RS, SKYCITY and AsiaWorld-Expo Phase 2, smart airport developments, as well as projects to strengthen connectivity within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and cargo developments, according to the statement.

The Airport City strategy was put forward by the AA to fully capitalize on the unique geographical advantage of HKIA and capture opportunities arising from various new infrastructural developments in Hong Kong, thereby strengthening HKIA's status as an international aviation hub and creating a new landmark for Hong Kong, it added.

"HKIA has been the world's leading international passenger and cargo airport. Notwithstanding the challenges faced by the aviation industry amid the COVID 19 pandemic, the AA is committed to its vision and plans for the further development of HKIA to enhance its capacity, functionality and synergy with partners in the GBA,” Chan said.

“The Airport City strategy will broaden HKIA's catchment and harness our competitiveness, consolidating Hong Kong's status as a preeminent international aviation hub," he added.

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Chan was also updated on the latest progress of the 3RS construction works. Reclamation of the area required for commissioning the third runway has been completed and handed over to the follow-on contractors, according to the statement.

The AA has been maintaining the progress of the 3RS construction project with a view to commissioning the third runway in 2022 and the 3RS in 2024 as planned to cater for long-term air traffic demand. Upon full commissioning of the 3RS, HKIA's annual passenger handling capacity will be around 100 million and its annual cargo handling capacity will be around 9 million tonnes, it added.