More flights, more shops for Hong Kong International Airport

(HONG KONG, 26 March 1999) -- Scores of new flights and the award of eight new retail licences reflected growing business confidence in Hong Kong International Airport, according to senior Airport Authority (AA) officials.

AA Finance and Commercial Director Mr Raymond Lai said that more airlines and retailers were making long-term commitments to the airport.

Since airport opening in July last year, 54 scheduled services had been dropped, but 120 had been added, resulting in a net gain of 66 flights.

"Some airlines have cut back flights, and one or two have pulled out for the time being," Mr Lai said. "This happens even in the best times, and for a host of reasons. However, the fact that we are seeing far more new flights than those being dropped is again a sign of growing confidence in the airport and Hong Kong."

AA General Manager -- Commercial Mr Chow Bing-sing welcomed the award of the latest retail licences. "This is very good news indeed," Mr Chow said. "Hong Kong SkyMart -- the passenger terminal's 144-shop retail complex -- is now one of the few major shopping centres in Hong Kong that can boast 100 per cent occupancy."

The new retail licences include a number of innovations for an airport in Hong Kong, including a beauty salon and an oriental massage centre.

Duty Free Shoppers Hong Kong Limited (DFS) has won two licences, one for operating a landside general merchandise outlet -- Hong Kong Nine Dragons by DFS Galleria -- and the other for operating a specialty shop featuring top American fashion label, Calvin Klein. This brings to 12 the number of outlets DFS operates at Hong Kong SkyMart.

Nobletime Limited has also won a licence to operate a specialty shop. Currently it operates five bookshops at the airport. The new shop, Toys and Games, will offer a wide range of different kinds of toys including stuffed toys, model cars, wireless-controlled toys and computer games.

Another specialty shop licence was awarded to Osim (HK) Co Limited to sell health care and lifestyle products at their SkyMart outlet, Osim Global Health Care.

Aji Ichiban Co Limited and Okashi Land have each won a licence to sell packaged foods. This concession will be the third Aji Ichiban shop at Hong Kong SkyMart. The Okashi Land store will sell a diverse range of quality confectionery and snacks.

Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok Airport Duty Free Co Ltd will operate an Oriental style massage centre. Services will include chiropody, chiropractic and facial massage, as well as traditional oriental massage and health treatments.

Plaza Business Centre Management Limited, which currently operates the common use lounges at Hong Kong International Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport, will operate a Hair and Beauty Salon offering hair styling, nail beauty, facial and body treatments.

Mr Chow said the Authority was very pleased to have awarded these latest licences:

"We have made every effort to achieve the right retail mix of quality and diversity that make SkyMart a world class shopping destination."

Ref. PR-424