Hong Kong International Airport has officially begun three runway operations following the official commission of the Three Runway System (3RS) on the 29th of November.
Having three runways operating simultaneously will enhance Kong kong’s position as a major international hub and help the airport reach its targets of 120 million passengers and to handle 10 million tonnes of cargo annually within a decade.
Cathay Pacific, which is based at Kong Kong, offered their congratulations saying that it will help the airline hit 100% of pre-pandemic levels early next year.
Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam said: “The introduction of the Three-Runway System will be a landmark moment for Hong Kong, one that ushers in a new era of possibilities for our home hub and its aviation industry. On behalf of Cathay, I would like to congratulate the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Airport Authority Hong Kong for this significant achievement.
“I am particularly pleased that the successful completion of Cathay’s rebuild coincides with the opening of the Three-Runway System. We can now truly put the pandemic behind us and firmly focus on the future.
“Our confidence in the long-term prospects of our home hub is as resolute as ever. As we look ahead to the many exciting opportunities that the Three-Runway System will provide, we are eager to continue doing our part to elevate Hong Kong’s status as a world-leading international aviation hub, connecting Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and the world.”
Hong Kong is particularly important hub for UK passengers acting as a gateway to the Asia-Pacific region and Oceania.
Fred Lam, Chairman of Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) said: “The 3RS will significantly enhance the overall capacity of the airport, further expanding our extensive air traffic network and consolidating our position as an international aviation hub.
“The commissioning of the 3RS will provide impetus for the Airport City development and support Hong Kong’s economic growth. Leveraging Hong Kong’s unique strengths, the Airport City will be a world-leading new landmark, attracting visitors from all around the world and driving Hong Kong’s economic development.”
The airport has been working on 3RS since 2016 and the until last week was operating on the North and South runways, the latter being a new runway. The centre runway was closed to be reconfigured ahead of 3RS becoming operational.
Cathay Pacific CX8333 was the first flight to take-off from the newly reconfigured centre runway marking the first time all three runways were operating simultaneously.
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