COMMUNICATIONS AND TRANSPORT
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the new extension. The modernisation programme calls for the extension of the arrival and departure halls, the addition of more check-in counters and shop spaces, installation of new immigration clearance counters and customs benches, as well as two more baggage reclaim units.
On the passenger apron, the construction of two more 'jumbo' piers and a transfer vehicle dock was nearing completion; these facilities will be operational early in 1980 after the installation of associated aerobridges. Also under construction was a restaurant block, integrated with the terminal building, which will provide more room for catering services. In February, a new airport fire station was completed providing permanent accommoda- tion for the airport fire contingent. Later, in May, a new slip road opened providing road traffic at the departure level of the terminal building with a direct exit from the airport. A multi-storey car park with 450 parking spaces came into use in August.
As Kai Tak Airport's future development is severely restricted by operational constraints such as the hilly surroundings, the proximity of urban areas, and the scarcity of land, steps have been taken by the government to determine the feasibility of building a replace- ment airport. In March, a consultancy group was engaged to carry out a series of studies for a replacement airport at Chek Lap Kok Island, off Lantau Island. It will produce a conceptual airport layout plan, investigate factors which could influence aircraft operations, and produce estimates of its cost. The consultants have so far held three joint working sessions with government departments and branches, and their final report is expected to be presented to the government early in 1980 for consideration.
Postal Services
With the opening of another post office during the year, there are now 75 post offices operating in Hong Kong, including two mobile post offices.
Construction progressed during the year on the $53.5 million International Mail Centre which is scheduled to be commissioned in 1980. When opened it will be the major mail processing centre in Hong Kong and will handle all international mail.
In most areas of Hong Kong, there are two mail deliveries each weekday and the Post Office is generally successful in achieving its target of delivering local mail not later than one working day after the date of posting.
During 1979, the number of letters and parcels handled reached a record level of 371 million items, representing an increase of 13 per cent over 1978. Local mail, which ac- counted for 51 per cent of the total volume of mail items handled, increased by 12.3 per cent. Surface parcel postings was the only category of traffic which showed a sharp decrease: a drop of 10 per cent was recorded compared with 1978. The decline in the posting of parcels destined for China was the main contributory factor.
Air mail traffic continued to increase. During the year, more than 4,200 tonnes of mail was despatched by air and almost 2,500 tonnes of air mail was received from abroad, representing increases of 22.9 per cent and 12.7 per cent respectively over 1978.
Fifteen countries are now served by Speedpost. In addition to the links formerly establish- ed with Australia, Belgium, Brazil, France, Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and the United States, the service in 1979 was further extended to Macau, Kuwait, South Africa, South Korea and Switzerland. The continued popularity of this speedy and reliable service is reflected in the number of items handled which amounted to more than 130,000 items during 1979 – an increase of 76 per cent over 1978. The Post Office has appointed two postal service representatives who maintain regular contact with the business community and other users of postal services and give advice