ENG-2001 — Page 330

TRANSPORT

270

about 3 800 weekly scheduled flights between Hong Kong and some 130 cities world- wide. In addition, an average of about 30 non-scheduled flights were operated to and from Hong Kong each week.

Air Traffic in 2001

Owing to the global economic slowdown and the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, there was a slight decrease in passenger throughput at the HKIA. In 2001, a total of 33 million passengers (including one million in transit) passed through the airport, representing a decrease of 0.9 per cent from 2000. Cargo traffic amounted to 2.1 million tonnes, representing a 7.4 per cent decrease compared with 2000. The corresponding value also fell by 4.4 per cent to $824.1 billion. On the other hand, aircraft movements continued to grow. In 2001, a total of 196 833 aircraft landed and took off at the HKIA, representing a growth of 8.2 per cent over 2000. To cater for the increase in aircraft movements, the runway capacity was increased from 45 to 47 movements per hour, starting from March.

Air transport continues to play an important role in Hong Kong's external trade. Goods carried by air accounted for about 30.6 per cent, 28.5 per cent and 22.7 per cent, in value terms, of Hong Kong's total imports, exports and re-exports respectively in 2001.

Airport Operations and Development

Owing to the September 11 incidents, insurers cancelled war and terrorist risk coverage for airlines and airports world-wide. The Government provided a stop-gap indemnity guarantee for the Airport Authority (AA) which was able to put in place commercial insurance cover. The incidents also led to heightened aviation security world-wide. While the HKIA's security measures such as 100 per cent baggage screening exceed international standards, the AA nonetheless introduced enhanced security measures in late September.

With all of its opening phase facilities in place, the AA focused its attention on building on the high level of services at the HKIA. In June, the AA announced a major upgrade of passenger terminal facilities and services, with an emphasis on relaxation and comfort for passengers. Shower facilities, mini-cinemas, massage chairs and more coffee lounges were just some of the new attractions, and a total of 8 300 square metres of new shops, restaurants, cafes and other attractions will be added to the terminal over the next three years. During the year, the airport's popularity with passengers was on the rise. In April, the HKIA was named the World's Best Airport for 2001 in a survey conducted by Skytrax Research.

On cargo handling facilities, early in the year a contract was awarded to Tradeport Hong Kong Limited to develop a logistics centre at the airport for processing time-critical air cargo. Operations are due to start in 2003. A Marine Cargo Terminal, which opened in March, provides a one-stop service linking the airport with 20 river ports in the Pearl River Delta. Together, these facilities will reinforce the HKIA's position as the premier gateway for China and the logistics. service management centre of the region. Eight new cargo stands were completed in December, bringing the total to 21.

Page 330Page 331