Hong Kong approves three-runway option as future direction for HKIA
Hong Kong Executive Council has endorsed (20-Mar-2012) the construction of a third runway at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). Secretary for Transport and Housing Eva Cheng said the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) can proceed with an environmental impact assessment, and plan design details and financial arrangements. The Government has asked the authority to conduct the environmental study in a strict and professional manner, looking at marine ecology, noise and air quality. The assessment is expected to take two years. The Government wants the authority to complete the assessment, design and financial options by the end of 2014, so the runway can be built by 2023. The forecast cost of the development is HKD136 billion (USD17.5 billion). A high-level steering committee will be set up to work with the authority on the project, along with a dedicated team led by the associated policy bureau. Ms Cheng emphasised the need for long-term planning for the airport, as air traffic last year already reached the forecast demand for 2013, as stated in the Master Plan 2030. [more - original PR - Hong Kong Executive Council]
AAHK, Cathay Pacific, Dragonair, Hong Kong Airlines, Hong Kong Express and HAECO welcomed (20-Mar-2012) the in-principle approval, for planning purposes, of the three-runway option. They noted the in-principle approval comes following public support of the three-runway option and the recommendation to proceed by AAHK. The companies separately noted their support for the long-term development of the airport, and the economic benefits it will bring. The Government has also approved AAHK's recommendation to proceed with the statutory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process and the preparation of the associated design details of the facilities under a three-runway system. [more - original PR - Airport Authority of Hong Kong] [more - original PR - HAECO] [more - original PR - Dragonair] [more - original PR - Cathay Pacific] [more - original PR - Hong Kong Airlines and Hong Kong Express]