A series of projects at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) are being implemented as part of its Airport City development, a scheme which will see an investment of over HK$40bn (US$5.1bn) in the 10 years to 2030 by Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA). The development is aimed at enhancing the airport’s capacity and functionality.
Fred Lam, chief executive officer of the AA, commented, “The AA first put forward the Airport City vision and blueprint in May last year. We are very glad that the HKSAR government supports the development of Airport City, which aims to fully capitalize on the unique geographical advantage of HKIA and capture opportunities arising from new infrastructures. The core functions of the airport and related industries are organically and seamlessly integrated into the fabric of the Airport City, unleashing a strong synergy. The various mid- and long-term developments in our blueprint will strengthen HKIA as an international aviation hub and create a new landmark for Hong Kong.”
Ongoing works under the project include the refurbishment of boarding gates and other facilities in the terminal; construction of the Sky Bridge to connect Terminal 1 and the North Satellite Concourse and leveraging technology to enhance passenger services. Additionally, the airport has rolled out initiatives such as e-Security Gates and e-Boarding Gates, the HKG My Flight mobile application, and the deployment of robots in the terminal. The airport noted that a 5G infrastructure and digital apron management system will further improve operational efficiency.
The Hong Kong government has also accepted the AA’s plan to develop automated parking lots that will provide around 6,000 parking spaces. The Park and Fly and Park and Visit parking lots will cater to air transfer passengers and visitors respectively.
Park and Fly passengers will transfer to HKIA boarding gates directly from the restricted border area, facilitated by a bonded vehicular bridge connected to the airport’s Intermodal Transfer Terminal, without having to go through immigration procedures in Hong Kong. Park and Visit visitors may go to other parts of Hong Kong on the Airport City Link, a vehicular and pedestrian bridge.
The AA also plans to introduce an autonomous transportation system to further connect the airport.
