TNAG-2144-FCO40-3063-Hong-Kong-Port-and-Airport-Development-Strategy-(PADS)-1990 — Page 84

1990-11-02 05:51 COMMS OFFICE (GOUT HOUSE)

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guaranteed for us in this way. Kai Tak is already the

sixth busiest airport in the world in terms of

international passengers and the fourth busiest in terms of

international freight. It is significantly busier than any

airport anywhere in China. Any suggestion that a

replacement airport of such world and regional importance

would be better sited over the border in Southern China or

that we should rely on Shenzhen airport to absorb Hong

Kong's forecast air traffic growth ignore all of these

important considerations.

7.

And why is it that we cannot simply struggle on

using Kai Kak? Indeed, we are already doing everything we

can to expand the capacity of Kai Kak, but that capacity is

ultimately constrained by the fact that there is only one

runway, which, because of its location, cannot even be used

24 hours a day. Although Kai mak has served us well these

past decades, its location is becoming increasingly

difficult. Some 350,000 people live under the flight path

and the noise impact of aircraft exceeds internationally

Safety standards imposed by the

physical constraints of the size are also less than ideal.

Over the years,

accepted standards.

we

have

implemented

a number of

improvements to extend the life of Kai Tak. These works

and will provide more parking bays for aircraft,

continue

improved air traffic

control

and improved road access to

1.

!