‘We will keep Hong Kong in pole position’, says government

Air carriers have welcomed a political commitment to maintain Hong Kong’s status as an international logistics and aviation hub.
In his policy address, the chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), C Y Leung, said he would support the development of a third runway at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).
Cathay Pacific chief executive Ivan Chu added that planning and development of land reserved for cargo use at the airport island “would also consolidate HKIA’s status as the world’s number-one hub for international air cargo.”
This, he said, was “crucial for the sustainable growth of Hong Kong’s aviation industry and maintaining Hong Kong’s status as Asia’s premier aviation hub.”
Dragonair chief executive officer Algernon Yau said: “The development of a third runway is critical not just to maintaining the status of Hong Kong International Airport as a premier aviation hub, but also to the long term economic development of Hong Kong.
“We are encouraged by the government’s commitment to this essential infrastructure project that will further strengthen Hong Kong’s position as the gateway to mainland China.”
The government would also carry out a study into the development of aerospace finance in the city, said Leung.
The carrier also praised measures to address Hong Kong’s chronic labour shortage, which has pushed up costs for the airfreight industry.
The SAR government plans to develop the East Lantau Metropolis and Tung Chung New Town Extension on the back of the completion of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge and other transport links.
Chu said: “The bridge and road links will help turn Tung Chung into an important transport hub connecting Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta region, while the development of the new town will help to ensure the provision of vital manpower resources for the many aviation companies operating on the airport island."
He added that the ongoing labour shortage has been an issue among many companies operating in the local aviation industry.
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