Propelled by steady regional and international economic expansion and the surging demand for air transport services, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) set record in all air traffic figures in the financial year 2006/07.

HKIA handled over 45 million passengers and 3.57 million tonnes of cargo, up 8.5% and 2.8% respectively over financial year 2005/06. Boosted by the continuously increasing demand for air traffic, aircraft movement reached 283,000, a 4.8% growth compared to the same period last year.

Airport Authority Hong Kong Commercial Director Mr Hans Bakker said, "To maintain our competitiveness as a regional and international cargo hub, HKIA continues to strengthen its air transport network by adding new destinations and airlines.

"We are delighted to announce that Yangtze River Express Airlines, a Shanghai based all-cargo carrier, will commence its services on April 17, increasing the total number of airlines operating at HKIA to 86." Mr Bakker added, "The new airline will start its five times weekly service flying the Hong Kong-Hangzhou-Qingdao route."

HKIA handled 3.83 million passengers and 24,130 aircraft movements in March, up 8.4% and 2.3% respectively over the same period last year. The cargo throughput in March dropped 5.4% as compared to the same period last year, to 303,000 tonnes.