Hong Kong International Airport's (HKIA) new passenger terminal, known as Terminal 2 or T2, will begin phased opening next month. Located next to the existing Terminal 1, T2 brings a range of exciting new facilities and services to the airport's rapidly expanding customer base. T2 is the centrepiece of HKIA's larger development called SkyCity which will enable Hong Kong to provide local and overseas passengers with a dynamic and memorable airport experience.

In February, 130 retail and catering outlets in SkyPlaza and four entertainment zones will start opening in the 140,000-square-metre terminal. A 36-bay coach station will debut next, while 56 airline check-in counters and customs and immigration facilities will open afterwards.

Commercial Director Hans Bakker said T2 highlights Airport Authority Hong Kong's commitment to creating a unique, pleasant experience at HKIA. "T2 is an integral part of SkyCity, a development that is transforming HKIA from a city's airport into an airport city. Being the centrepiece of the SkyCity, the new terminal is also an integrated multimodal hub, where air, sea, land and rail transport converge seamlessly."

"We have invested HK$2.8 billion in Terminal 2, an automated people mover connecting T1 and T2, and two office buildings, including HKIA Tower, which will be the new headquarters for the Airport Authority Hong Kong. This investment will allow us to better meet passenger demand and strengthen HKIA's role as a regional and international transportation hub," he added.

The Airport Authority Hong Kong's Head of Projects, Kevin Poole, oversaw T2 from design to completion and said, "The undulating fins on the terminal's exterior facade and ceiling create a dynamic, floating effect for people inside and outside the building. T2 also echoes the three-dimensional "wave" design of T1."

In addition to Terminal 2, other projects under the SkyCity development include the SkyCity Nine Eagles Golf Course; SkyPier, a permanent cross-boundary ferry terminal; and a second airport hotel, the Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel. The golf course is scheduled to open in the first half of this year whereas the other two projects are slated to open in 2008.

Photograph 1: T2 and the adjacent HKIA Tower, headquarters of the Airport Authority Hong Kong.

Photograph 2: Airline check-in counters in T2.

Photograph 3: The undulating fins on the terminal's ceiling create a dynamic, floating effect.

Photograph 4: Over 130 catering outlets and shops throughout SkyPlaza provide passengers a wide range of choices.

Photograph 5: An all-weather coach station provides a comfortable waiting area.

Photograph 6: T2's spacious interior.

Photograph 7: Night scene of T2.