TNAG-0208-FCO40-244-Discussions-about-extension-to-Kai-Tak-airport-1969 — Page 111

13. It is the Board of Trade's view that in the absence of improvements at Kai Tax :

(a) the scope for increased use of the airport by BOẠC would be seriously limited; they would, for example, be unable to operate the Boeing 747 through Hong Kong and there would undoubtedly be a heavy loss in airline

revenue}

(b) Kai Tak would become progressively of less value in air services negotiations with, as a result, less "indirect benefit" to British airlines;

(a)

increase in airport revenue would be cut back;

(a) the United Kingdom would be open to criticism inter

nationally for failure to maintain the airport to the

starlard which might reasonably be expected by IGAC and by the countries which have acquired traffic rights at Hong Kong

Hong Kongia Interent

14. Undoubtedly Hong Kong will itself derive benefit from the projected developæent. Some of the improvements (e.g. to apren

parking area, terminal building cargo facilities) are in any case necessary to meet the growing traffic provided by existing services. The extended services to be provided by the new generation of aireraft (for which runway lengthening is considered necessary) must lead to ingreased tourist traffic: at present some half million tourists annually spend an estimated £15-20 million in Hong Kong; and thore must be general and less tangible advantages to the economy in improved facilities for business and

trade contacts with oth ́r countries,

15. The Hong Kong Government maintain, however, that the advantages of lengthening the runway are marginal in any consideration of Hong Kong's own narrow interest. They maintain that the new generation of aircraft could use Hong Kong as it is, subject to weight penalties in certain conditions and on certain longer routes. They accept that these restrictions, together with the reduced safety factor for such aircraft, would tend to

make