Zhuhai Airport (ZHA) saw strong passenger volumes during the last three months of 2006, contributing to record annual throughput of 800,000 passengers, up 25 per cent from 2005 and well ahead of 2006's target of 760,000 passengers.

Hong Kong-Zhuhai Airport Management Co. Ltd (HKZAM), a joint venture between Airport Authority Hong Kong and the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of Zhuhai Municipal People's Government, has managed the Zhuhai Airport since 1 October 2006.

With the support of the Central, Guangdong and Zhuhai governments, and the Airport Authority Hong Kong, ZHA has increased flight frequencies, expanded and diversified its services and improved ground transportation links including the provision of in-town check-in services. Over the last three months, HKZAM improved ZHA's facilities in accordance with national civil aviation standards. ZHA enhanced airfield taxiway and CCTV system for security screening, installed additional safety equipment, improved first aid facilities, and renovated of the passenger terminal building and VIP lounge. Staff training and crisis drills were conducted to enhance ZHA's emergency management capabilities.

By strengthening airport management and upgrading service standards, HKZAM's goal is to fully realise ZHA's ability to contribute to the growth and development of the regional economy. Over the longer term, ZHA aims to be the pride of Zhuhai by becoming a model airport on the Mainland in professional services.

Mr Deng Weilong, Secretary of Zhuhai Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China said, "The Zhuhai government has been resolutely carrying out the policy laid down by the party's central, State Council, provincial party committee and the provincial government to strengthen the cooperation with Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan and to promote cooperation in all areas among pan-Pearl River Delta regions. The continued growth of the Mainland economy as well as the further flourishing of western PRD will bring more growth opportunities to ZHA, driving the airport to become an important regional aviation hub."

The Mayor of Zhuhai Municipal People's Government, Mr Wang Shunsheng, said "The cooperation will actively contribute to establishing ZHA as an aviation hub for the region. The success of the cooperation and the ongoing improvement of the external environment of ZHA will further expand its service area while ZHA's steady business growth will bring new momentum to Zhuhai's economy."

Airport Authority Hong Kong CEO Dr David J Pang is pleased with the significant progress the joint venture has achieved in a short time. "With the Mainland's burgeoning economic growth, air passenger and cargo volumes have enjoyed annual double-digit growth in recent years. The joint venture not only enables the two airports to complement each other but also increases our competitiveness and sustains growth, thereby creating a win-win situation for both. Hong Kong International Airport also expands its catchment area to the Pearl River Delta region, thereby contributing to regional economic development."

HKZAM's General Manager, Vivian Cheung, said ZHA plans to increase throughput from 640,000 passengers and 10,000 tonnes of cargo in 2005 to 1.5 million passengers and 50,000 tonnes of cargo by 2010. She added, "We have attracted one new airline and plan to increase the number of carriers serving ZHA from five to seven by the end of 2007. ZHA's first international all-cargo service will soon start, with two flights between Zhuhai and Manila each week."

To enhance ZHA's land transportation network, Zhuhai's party committee and the municipal government will soon complete the construction of the Jiang-Zhu Highway, Guangzhou-Zhuhai Highway and the road system of the Zhuhai Avenue. To improve transportation to and from the airport, HKZAM is planning a cross-boundary ferry service - scheduled to begin by 2008 - between Zhuhai Airport and Hong Kong International Airport. HKZAM is also planning a pilot-training business, an aircraft maintenance facility and an aviation management academy.

Hong Kong-Zhuhai Airport Management is the Mainland's first foreign-owned airport management company. HKZAM's Board of Directors comprises seven members, four of which are appointed by the Airport Authority Hong Kong.

Last year, the Central Government approved a co-operation agreement between the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of Zhuhai Municipal People's Government and the Airport Authority to establish HKZAM and to jointly manage and operate Zhuhai Airport for 20 years. HKZAM has a registered capital of RMB360 million. The Airport Authority Hong Kong holds a 55 per cent stake in HKZAM, which it acquired for RMB198 million through its wholly owned subsidiary HKIA (China) Ltd. The State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of Zhuhai Municipal People's Government controls the remaining 45 per cent, which it acquired by injecting RMB162 million through its wholly owned company Zhuhai Headway Transportation Investment Co. Ltd.

Photograph 1: Dr David J Pang, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong.

Photograph 2: Press Conference held in Zhuhai Airport on January 7.

Photograph 3: Vivian Cheung, General Manager of Zhuhai-Hong Kong Airport Management Company Limited, is the first woman general manager of a mainland airport.