Acting Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, Mr Raymond Lai, welcomed Hong Kong SAR Government's plan to increase Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA)'s runway capacity from the present level of 54 aircraft movements per hour to 58 by 2009.

Mr Lai and Airport Management Director Mr Howard Eng briefed Financial Secretary of Hong Kong SAR Government Mr Henry Tang on the latest airport development during his visit to HKIA on May 22. Mr Tang announced after his visit Government's plan to increase HKIA's runway capacity.

"The enhancement in runway capacity will enable HKIA to better cope with the expected growth in demand for air traffic. The improvement in runway capacity, together with other airport enhancement projects, will greatly strengthen HKIA's position as one of the major gateway hubs of Mainland China," Mr Lai said.

"We will continue to work closely with Civil Aviation Department of Hong Kong SAR Government and other government departments to facilitate the planned increment of runway capacity," Mr Lai added.

Photograph 1: AAHK Acting Chief Executive Officer Mr Raymond Lai (Left) briefs Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Henry Tang (Right) on air cargo facilities and related enhancement projects.

Photograph 2: AAHK Airport Management Director Mr Howard Eng (Second right) says to Mr Henry Tang (Second left) that HKIA positions itself as a multi-modal hub where Mainland coach services are available to connect HKIA with over 70 Mainland cities.

Photograph 3: Mr Raymond Lai and Mr Howard Eng make a brief presentation on airport developments to Mr Henry Tang and Director-General of Civil Aviation of Hong Kong SAR Government Mr Norman Lo (Left).