​Following is a question by the Hon Dominic Lee and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (June 17):

Question:

     The Chief Executive stated in the 2025 Policy Address that the Government would take forward the expansion of Airport City development. There are views that while 11 SKIES is one of the important parts of the Airport City, its visitor flow and development, among other aspects, have been less than satisfactory. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) as it has been reported that the current vacancy rate of 11 SKIES is on the high side, and a number of tenants and large-scale amusement facilities originally planned to move in have surrendered their tenancies or deferred their opening, whether the Government has discussed with the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) to (i) formulate concrete plans to increase the number of tenants, (ii) add distinctive landmarks in the commercial complex (such as a large-scale landscaped sky garden, an aviation-themed exhibition hall, an all-weather indoor sports and electronic sports venue, and world-class cultural and art installations), and (iii) re-plan the uses of the commercial complex (such as increasing food and beverage, exhibition, cultural or office spaces), so as to enhance the attractiveness and visitor flow of 11 SKIES;

(2) apart from regular promotions, whether the Government and AAHK have plans to organise special themed events (such as an aviation carnival, day-and-night vibrant bazaars, music festivals or drone light shows) in 11 SKIES and its surrounding areas, so as to step up publicity and attract local residents and visitors to Hong Kong; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

(3) given that according to AAHK's 2022-2023 annual report, the target tenants of the three office towers of 11 SKIES are wealth management, medicine and wellness, and industries that are eager to establish a presence in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), whether the authorities have assessed if such a tenant mix, together with the overall positioning, visitor flow and operational prospects of the Airport City, are compatible with Hong Kong's latest economic development needs;

(4) given that 11 SKIES is an important project for developing the Airport City, how the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, as an ex-officio member of the Board of AAHK, monitors the financial position and latest development progress of the 11 SKIES project as well as the Airport City through the Board, so as to safeguard public interests; and

(5) whether the Government is aware if AAHK has, in the light of Hong Kong's economic situation and the latest developments in the Mainland cities of GBA, conducted the latest financial and risk assessments on the 11 SKIES project; if so, of the details of the relevant assessments; if not, the reasons for that, and whether AAHK will conduct such assessments as soon as possible?

Reply:

President,

     With the Government's policy support, the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has been actively attracting investment to take forward the Airport City development plan SKYTOPIA. Various projects, including the Yacht Bay, AsiaWorld-Expo Phase 2 (AWE), the art ecosystem and autonomous transport systems, are being advanced progressively. With the aviation industry as the foundation, the projects are developed to create a new landmark integrating high-end tourism, art, yacht and water activities, popular culture and other leisure elements, injecting new impetus into the economic development of Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Since the announcement of the expanded Airport City development blueprint in January 2025, the AAHK has been proactively reaching out to potential local, Chinese Mainland and overseas investors. Investors have responded enthusiastically. The market has shown keen interest in the new projects, recognising the development potential of SKYTOPIA.

     The various development projects are being advanced progressively. Among them, the Art and Valuables Storage Facility has completed the tendering process and is expected to commence operations in early 2027; works for the Phase 2 of AWE have commenced, with completion anticipated in 2028. Regarding the Yacht Bay, the AAHK is inviting the market to submit Expression of Interest for the bay and its ancillary facilities, with phased completion expected from 2028 onwards. The AAHK is progressing in parallel with the planning of other projects, including the Art Ecosystem and Jet Fresh Market. As part of the Airport City development blueprint, the development and operation of 11 SKIES will also tie in with the overall planning of SKYTOPIA.

     Having consulted the AAHK, my reply to the various parts of the question raised by the Hon Dominic Lee is as follows:

(1) and (3) The office towers and car park at 11 SKIES have already come into operation. Adjacent to the Hong Kong Port (HKP) of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB), the office towers are convenient for companies serving both local and Chinese Mainland residents to set up operations, dovetailing with the direction of deepening the integrated development of the GBA, and complementing the overall positioning of the Airport City and Hong Kong's development.

     As regards the shopping mall, in view of the everchanging behavioural patterns of consumers and visitors in recent years, the AAHK is in close discussion with the developer to plan the future positioning, theme, trade mix and operating model of the mall, including introducing more entertainment and dining elements. With the phased completion of most projects under SKYTOPIA (including the Yacht Bay, Phase 2 of the AWE and the Airport Tung Chung Link project (ATCL), etc.) starting from 2028, the shopping mall of 11 SKIES is also expected to come into operation in 2028 onwards, aligning with the overall development of SKYTOPIA.

(2) To tie in with the development of SKYTOPIA, the AAHK will continue with the development of autonomous transport systems. The Airportcity Link (ACL) project connecting the Airport Island with HKP of the HZMB is expected to commence operation within this year, and will be the first autonomous transport project operated commercially in Hong Kong. The ATCL, which will further extend the ACL to Tung Chung town centre, has also begun construction with commissioning scheduled for 2029. Upon its completion, the connectivity between the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and Tung Chung will be greatly enhanced, facilitating residents and tourists to travel between the airport, HZMB and nearby commercial facilities. In addition, as part of the Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles scheme, the AAHK will roll out the "Park & Visit" service in July this year to allow visitors from Guangdong and Macao to visit Hong Kong, as well as various facilities of SKYTOPIA in future. The AAHK will continue to make use of the public spaces across the airport and the Airport City to host a diversified range of marketing campaigns and activities, such as the expo and career fair recently held at Terminal 2 of HKIA, as well as various musical performances, so as to step up publicity and drive footfall, attracting both local residents and visitors to the Airport Island.

(4) and (5) The AAHK is a statutory body wholly owned by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, responsible for the operation and development of HKIA, and is regulated by the Airport Authority Ordinance (Cap. 483). The Secretary for Transport and Logistics and the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, as members of the Board of the AAHK, closely monitor the overall strategic development direction of the AAHK, the progress of the Airport City development blueprint, including various projects under the blueprint (including 11 SKIES), as well as matters pertaining to its daily operation, financial position and risk management, through their participation in the work of the Board, with a view to safeguarding the public interest.

     The AAHK will, in light of the market environment and development needs, continuously review and assess the operating and development models of various projects, including 11 SKIES, and adjust its strategies as appropriate. As the relevant assessment involves commercially sensitive information, it is not appropriate to provide details at this stage.

Ends/Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Issued at HKT 11:55

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