HKIA celebrates traffic record of 50 million passengers

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) announced (28-Dec-2010) Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) its annual passenger volume and cargo tonnage exceeded the 50 million and 4.0 million milestones, respectively, for the first time, setting new annual records. The four-millionth tonne of cargo, which is a consignment of electronic products bound for Dubai, departed HKIA on 19-Dec-2010. Commenting on the airport's future plans, AAHK CEO Stanley Hui stated: "As part of our ongoing effort to increase our capacity to meet future growth while also maintaining high service standards, we will unveil in early 2011 a midfield development project that will result in a new passenger concourse and 20 additional parking stands by 2015. Also, HKIA master plan 2030, which outlines the airport's aviation demand and development needs over the next 20 years, will also be released for public consultation within the first half of next year." [more]

Hong Kong SAR Government: "This is an encouraging accomplishment ... Whatever the operating environment, the AAHK has not reduced its investment on infrastructure. While the current development of the airport is expected to cope with the anticipated traffic demand up to 2020, the AAHK has launched its master plan 2030 study, which will look into the feasibility of building a third runway, with a view to reinforcing Hong Kong's status as an international and regional aviation centre", Eva Cheng, Secretary for Transport and Housing. Source: AAHK, 28-Dec-2010.