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The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, makes the following statement today (Monday) on the operational opening of the new airport.

"Today we have put into operation the biggest single project ever undertaken in Hong Kong's history - our new international airport at Chek Lap Kok.

The new Hong Kong International Airport began service this morning as scheduled, after the successful completion of the overnight move from Kai Tak.

The relocation operation has been carried out with commendable precision. Meticulous planning and careful execution have paid off. All vehicles and equipment essential for first day operation as well as 29 aircraft were moved from Kai Tak to Chek Lap Kok in a matter of 13 hours. Despite the inclement weather, this critical phase of the relocation exercise was completed successfully.

Credit for this goes to the dedicated staff of the Airport Authority, the New Airport Projects Co-ordination Office, the Police, Civil Aviation, Transport and other Government departments as well as the airlines, franchisees and other airport operators who have taken part in the exercise.

Many people in a wide range of jobs have put much hard work into making this airport a reality since the project began some seven years ago. It is an outstanding achievement and proof yet again that Hong Kong's "can-do" spirit is alive and well.

I congratulate everyone who has been working on the project, in whatever capacity, on a job well done. They have given us an outstanding international airport capable of meeting our requirements far into the next century."

End/Monday, July 6, 1998

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