ENG-2002 — Page 323

TRANSPORT

It was also partly due to the closure of the sea ports in the west coast of the United States in September and October, which necessitated the delivery of goods by air.

Aircraft movements continued to increase. In 2002, a total of 206 705 aircraft landed and took off at the HKIA, representing a growth of 5 per cent over 2001. To cater for the increase in aircraft movements, with effect from March, the hourly runway capacity was increased from 47 to 49 movements with the total runway movements in any two consecutive hours not exceeding 94.

Reflecting the important role of air transport in Hong Kong's external trade, goods carried by air accounted for about 32.2 per cent, 30 per cent and 24.4 per cent, in value terms, of Hong Kong's total imports, exports and re-exports respectively in 2002.

Airport Operations and Development

Despite difficult conditions for the industry world-wide, the HKIA managed to achieve record high traffic figures in terms of passenger and cargo throughput as well as aircraft movements.

The HKIA continued to garner international recognition and awards during the year. Most notably, the HKIA was named ‘Cargo Airport of the Year' by the London- based Air Cargo News and for the second year running 'Airport of the Year' in a large- scale passenger survey conducted by the UK Skytrax Research.

The Airport Authority (AA) continued to enhance the airport's passenger and cargo handling facilities. In March, the AA awarded a major contract for the complete overhaul of the passenger terminal's East Hall SkyMart airport retail complex. The entire project, worth $600 million, is expected to provide 6 800 square metres of floor space, with more retail outlets, creating a more spacious and relaxing environment for passengers. In October, the AA awarded a 15-year franchise to DHL International (Hong Kong) Ltd for the development of a dedicated express cargo terminal at the HKIA. With a total investment of $780 million, the terminal will handle over 400 tonnes of express cargo daily upon its planned opening in 2004.

The HKIA is the world's busiest airport for international air cargo, since 1996. In September, the AA and the International Air Cargo Association co-hosted the Air Cargo Forum 2002, the world's leading air cargo convention and exhibition that attracted more than 4000 delegates and 250 exhibitors from 69 countries. The Mainland also participated in the event for the first time.

Recognising the importance of fostering cooperation with other airports in the Pearl River Delta, the AA continued to participate actively in the A5 Forum together with the airports of Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Macau, In November, a Letter of Intent on flight diversions and emergency support was signed by the five airports at the A5 Forum held in Macau. The Forum had also set up task forces to explore cooperation opportunities in areas such as facilitation in passenger and cargo processing and joint promotion of services. In October, the Airport Authority (Permitted Airport-related Activities) Order took effect to permit the AA to undertake certain specified airport-related activities outside Chek Lap Kok.

The AA announced in December that it would extend the 15 per cent discount in aircraft landing and parking charges for another year until December 31, 2003. The extension was estimated to save airline operators some $320 million a year.

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