My research into Hong Kong’s real estate law, economics, and urban planning has provided me with an intricate understanding of the city’s urban development. However, one need not delve into academic treatises to grasp the magnitude of Hong Kong’s infrastructural might. From the seamless Airport Express to the vast metro network, the city is a paragon of connectivity, a trait that the new three-runway system (3RS) will only enhance.
On Thursday, the 3RS started full operation, with all three runways operating together for the first time. The 3RS is not just an expansion; it’s a transformative project that will redefine HKIA’s capabilities, increasing its capacity to 120 million passengers and 10 million metric tons of cargo annually. This is no small feat, especially for a city that is often constrained by a paucity of available land.
Hong Kong’s land dilemma is notorious, with a pressing mismatch between demand and supply. With around 7.5 million residents, the city’s built-up area only accounts for 24.3 percent of its total area, with the remaining 75.7 percent being not-for-development or non-builtup areas consisting mainly of country parks, wetland, reservoirs and fishponds.
The third runway, built by creating 650 hectares of reclaimed land, is a bold solution to this persistent challenge.
Reclamation, while solving one problem, has ignited concerns of environmental sustainability. The traditional reclamation process has been fraught with issues of seabed contamination and noise pollution. However, in constructing the 3RS, Hong Kong has embraced an innovative approach known as “deep cement mixing”. This method, while costly, dramatically reduces noise levels and minimizes the impact on water quality and marine life. The result is a significant infrastructural addition that aligns with Hong Kong’s high environmental standards.
In an era where climate change and sustainability are at the forefront of global discourse, the 3RS serves as a blueprint for responsible urban development. It demonstrates that economic expansion and environmental stewardship can coexist, setting a precedent for future projects worldwide.
The economic implications of the 3RS are equally significant. The aviation industry expects the new runway to generate numerous jobs, potentially doubling the current aviation workforce and spurring growth in related sectors such as retail and tourism. The 3RS will not only serve Hong Kong but also the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, a region with a population of nearly 90 million, enhancing HKIA’s role as a central node in an increasingly interconnected region.
The collaboration between HKIA and neighboring infrastructure facilities, like the Zhuhai Airport and the planned HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park, is a strategic move that leverages Hong Kong’s aviation expertise and promotes regional integration. The 3RS is more than a runway; it’s a bridge to new economic vistas that will invigorate the city’s future.
As we look at the broader picture, the 3RS is a reflection of Hong Kong’s resilience and forward-thinking ethos. It is a project born from necessity, shaped by innovation, and polished by a commitment to the environment. It reiterates the fact that Hong Kong’s global significance extends well beyond finance. The city continues to be a pioneer in creating infrastructure that is not only efficient but also sustainable, ensuring its status as a truly global city in every sense.
In light of these developments, speaking at the recent International Infrastructure and Projects Leaders’ Summit, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po eloquently captured Hong Kong’s essence. He cited the city’s infrastructural achievements as a cornerstone of its global value proposition, aptly represented by institutions such as the HKIA and the MTR Corp, which have expanded their expertise across the globe.
In conclusion, the third runway at HKIA is more than a milestone for aviation; it’s a beacon of Hong Kong’s dynamism and its dedication to harmonizing progress with sustainability. As we witness this infrastructural leap, let us remember that it’s the city’s innovative spirit that truly allows it to soar.
The author is a fintech adviser, a researcher and a former business analyst for a Hong Kong publicly listed company.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
