Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) officially launched its Three-runway System (3RS) on November 28, with all three runways operating simultaneously, marking a significant expansion of its operational capacity.
The inaugural flight from the reconfigured Center Runway, Cathay Pacific’s community flight CX8333, carried approximately 180 members of the airport community, symbolizing the start of a new era for Hong Kong aviation.
The launch positions HKIA to further solidify Hong Kong’s position as a major international aviation hub, airport officials announced. The commissioning ceremony, held at HKIA, was attended by top officials including Hong Kong Chief Executive John KC Lee and Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) Chairman Fred Lam.
The 3RS, which began construction in August 2016 and includes the newly reconfigured Center Runway, allows for increased air traffic movement. This expansion is projected to enable HKIA to handle 120 million passengers and 10 million tonnes of cargo annually within the next decade.
Chief Executive John KC Lee highlighted the strategic importance of the project, particularly in “carrying passengers from around the country and cargo to more destinations, and providing more options for global passenger and cargo flow into the Mainland.”
AAHK Chairman Fred Lam added, “The 3RS will significantly enhance the overall capacity of the airport, further expanding our extensive air traffic network and consolidating our position as an international aviation hub.”
The new North Runway was previously commissioned in November 2022, and the intervening period involved the reconfiguration of the Center Runway, including new taxiways and pavement adjustments.
Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s flagship carrier, expressed strong support for the 3RS expansion. The airline group announced it will reach 100% of its pre-pandemic flight levels by January 2025 and aims to serve 100 destinations worldwide within the year.
“The introduction of the Three-Runway System will be a landmark moment for Hong Kong, one that ushers in a new era of possibilities for our home hub and its aviation industry,” said Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam.
Cathay has committed over HK$100 billion in investments over the next seven years, including new aircraft and infrastructure upgrades, to capitalize on the increased capacity.
The increased capacity is expected to gradually increase the number of aircraft take-offs and landings at HKIA, in line with air traffic demand.
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