Hong Kong’s 3-runway system to go into service in November
New three-runway system will launch upon final checks and licensing, offering more capacity to expand aviation network, government says
Hong Kong’s three-runway system is scheduled to go into service next month after the Airport Authority acquires the needed licences and completes the final round of tests.
Transport and Logistics Bureau officials also said on Tuesday they would expand Hong Kong’s aviation network to fill new capacity arising from the system, revealing that eight airlines would launch 11 new routes under a subsidy scheme managed by the Airport Authority.
Authority executive director Steven Yiu Siu-chung told lawmakers the final crucial task was to designate the third-runway system as a restricted zone and obtain the licence from the Civil Aviation Department.
“Obtaining the licence is like taking an exam with 900 aspects to pass, including meeting the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation,” Yiu said.
“We need to provide blueprints, test records and conduct on-site coordination with the Civil Aviation Department and then obtain the licences hopefully in mid-November.
“We then need to test the Civil Aviation Department’s landing system using an aircraft, stimulating taxiing on the taxiway or runway.”