Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has been recognised as the world's best airport among facilities serving 40 million-plus air passengers annually in the Airports Council International's 2006 Airport Service Quality Awards. HKIA ranked second overall in the awards, which surveyed more than 200,000 people at over 90 airports worldwide.

Airport Authority Hong Kong Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Hui, said, "Delivering consistently high service levels day-in and day-out is a challenge for any airport. Maintaining those standards in the face of rapidly expanding passenger volumes is tougher still. Fortunately, HKIA's 60,000 dedicated professionals are passionate about customer service. And our HK$7 billion expansion programme - which includes the recently opened Terminal 2 and HK$4.5 billion in facility and capacity enhancement projects - ensures we have the right people and facilities to meet our customers' needs."

The Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards are based on quarterly passenger surveys, in which frequent travellers expressed a preference for a hassle-free airport experience. Leisure and infrequent flyers look for friendly, courteous service. Airport ambience, cleanliness, and safe, comfortable waiting areas were also seen as top priorities.

"The ASQ surveys allow us to benchmark our performance over time, and in relation to other airports. Using this data, we create a unique, memorable airport experience and build on our reputation for efficiency, connectivity and accessibility," added Mr Hui.

Airports Council International (ACI) Director General, Robert J Aaronson, said: "The awards that Hong Kong International Airport has won from the ACI Airport Service Quality programme shows that a commitment to customer service really pays off. ACI congratulates HKIA and all its staff for working to provide a great experience for their passengers."

The ASQ surveys cover airport access/navigation and connectivity, airport services/facilities, security and immigration, airport environment, arrival services, value for money and overall satisfaction with the airport and airline services.