As the airport operator, Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has a duty to ensure that Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) continues to be a world-class aviation hub.

HKIA faces three major challenges: capacity constraints, labour shortages and increasing competition from other hub airports. There is a robust strategy in place to overcome these challenges and maintain Hong Kong’s leading position in the rapidly developing Pearl River Delta (PRD) region.

In August 2016, we commenced the construction of the three-runway system (3RS) project, which is critical to handling Hong Kong’s long-term air traffic demand. Before the 3RS becomes operational in 2024, we will continue to enhance our existing two-runway system through terminal expansion and the application of new technologies.

To help develop a pipeline of talent for the aviation industry, we established the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy (HKIAA) in 2016. The Academy will provide an entry to an exciting career path for young people in Hong Kong. As of this August, over 1,200 students had enrolled and the total intake for the first year is expected to reach around 3,000.

The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area development plan offers great opportunities for HKIA. As Hong Kong becomes increasingly connected to the PRD through the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and high-speed rail, we will be even better placed to serve as the airport of choice in the region for both passengers and cargo. However, other major hub airports in the region are rapidly developing, and we must keep moving forward or run the risk of being left behind.

HKIA was originally designed to handle 45 million passengers every year. It is still running smoothly at over 70 million passengers today. This is partly due to the excellent original design, but more importantly, to the concerted efforts of the 73,000 staff of the airport community, who have helped to maintain efficient operations and provide a smooth travel experience to our passengers.