TNAG-0775-FCO40-979-Possible-new-airport-for-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 49

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(7) The airspace at the new site is almost without restriction; it is far superior to the highly restrictive terrain that inhibits operations at Kai Tak. Flight safety conditions will be greatly improved.

(8) Aircraft larger than the current wide-bodied types and second- generation supersonic aircraft probably will not be accommodated at Kai Tak without special restrictions

if they are accommodated at all. The new airport can be designed to accommodate future generations of aircraft without restrictions.

The new site lends itself to early adoption of future technology in air navigation and air traffic control. All-weather operational capability can be achieved. It will be difficult, if not impossible, to utilize much of the new technology at Kai Tak.

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(10) Relocating the airport will allow development of 530 acres at Kai Tak for activities compatible with the central city. The 220 acres of RAF land may also become available for redevelopment. Congestion in the ground transport network can be alleviated.

(11) Moving flight operations away from Kai Tak will permit selective removal of height restrictions on buildings in all of Kowloon and much of Hong Kong Island, and will allow further development of schools, hospitals, residences, and commercial properties in this area. These restrictions, presently imposed on air operations at Kai Tak to maintain acceptable standards of flight safety, will be significantly eased. This could permit redevel- opment with more open space at similar average den- sities. The withdrawal of height restrictions would also permit a more economical design of the Lie Yue Mun Gap Bridge.

(12) Relocation of the airport, before saturation of facilities becomes chronic and requires drastic action to limit demand, is highly desirable to preserve the Hong Kong image as a favorable place to conduct business and to visit.

Apart from considerations of cost and competing priorities, a negative impact of the new airport location is recognized. The western Kowloon transport corridor is seriously deficient in capacity now, and solutions will be difficult and costly. The new airport location will contribute to the shortfall.

There are both positive and negative considerations to the side effects of opening Lantau Island for development. The Consultants believe that development of the island is inevitable because the center of gravity of Hong Kong seems to be shifting westward and the Sai Kung District offers adequate long-term recreational reserve. However, such value judgments are cursory. These questions need to be addressed in depth before a final commitment to the site and the airport is made.

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