Third Hong Kong runway needed, says Cathay's new chief executive

CATHAY Pacific says a third runway at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) would be important not only for the carrier and the aviation industry, but also for the long-term stability of the Hong Kong economy.


Speaking in Australia, Cathay's new chief executive John Slosar told a National Aviation Press Club luncheon in Sydney that Hong Kong's airport had become a victim of its own success and that the current two runways at HKIA will be saturated within the next seven to nine years - 15-20 years ahead of the original blueprint forecast for 2040.


"This is a good news story - the growth in flights to and from Hong Kong has way exceeded expectations. And Hong Kong as a destination, and as an economy, has certainly benefited from that," Mr Slosar said.


"To maintain the competitive edge required to sustain Hong Kong's long-term future as an international centre for transport, trade, finance and logistics, a third runway at HKIA is going to be needed," he said.


Mr Slosar said the Hong Kong community would need to debate the issue of the third runway and he was pleased to note that the consultation process for the Hong Kong International Airport Master Plan 2030 is scheduled to begin this month.


"As Hong Kong's home carrier, we will certainly play our part in the debate," Mr Slosar said.
(Source:http://www.schednet.com)