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LCQ4: Hong Kong International Airport's plan to build third runway
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     Following is a question by the Hon Ng Leung-sing and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Professor Anthony Cheung Bing-leung, in the Legislative Council today (February 27):

Question:

     It has been reported that the "Overall Plan of Nansha New District of Guangzhou (2011-2030)", published by the Guangzhou Urban Planning Bureau last month, has revealed that the mainland authorities intend to build the second airport of Guangzhou in the southwestern part of Wanqinsha Town in Nansha District. In this connection, will the
Government inform this Council:

(a) whether it has assessed the challenges to Hong Kong and the co-operation opportunities between Guangdong and Hong Kong to be brought by the aforesaid airport construction project; and

(b) of the impact of the aforesaid airport construction project on the plan of the Hong Kong International Airport to build the third runway?

Reply:

President,

     The Plan for the Development of Nansha New District of Guangzhou (2011-2030) proposes to study the development of a business jet airport in the area. According to our understanding, the proposed plan is still under study and details are yet to be available.

     Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is one of the world's busiest passenger and cargo airports whereas the above proposed airport development should be designed for business jets. The two airports differ in their positioning and major target users. The mutual influence between the two airports should therefore be insignificant. That notwithstanding, we will continue to keep in view the development of the proposed business jet airport, and assess the possible challenges and co-operation opportunities which may be brought to Hong Kong when more information is available.

     Although there are already a few airports in the region, external connectivity is vital to maintaining Hong Kong's competitiveness and status as an international business and aviation centre. As such, it is crucial to ensure that HKIA has adequate facilities and capacity to meet the forecast air traffic demand. In 2012, the Government gave in-principle approval for the Airport Authority (AA) to adopt the three-runway system as the future development plan for HKIA. AA is taking forward the specific planning work relating to the three-runway system, including the statutory environmental impact assessment, associated design details and financing arrangements, etc. When the relevant assessments and other information are available, the Government will make the final decision on the implementation of the three-runway system. Currently, the three-runway system is expected to commence operation in 2023.

Ends/Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Issued at HKT 13:16

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