The operator of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has welcomed the news that HK$5bn (US$640m) has been set aside to develop the Air Mail Centre.
Funding was announced in the 2020-21 Budget Speech by Hong Kong’s financial secretary, Paul Chan in the Legislative Council on February 26.
The money was put aside last year, and Chan said that Hong Kong Post had completed the preparatory work.
It plans to submit a funding application to the Legislative Council this year, with a view to starting work as soon as possible.
Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) says the redevelopment is a key part of HKIA’s plan to enhance express cargo capacity.
AA said, “The AA is actively expanding the existing express air cargo terminal, developing a premium logistics center and enhancing HKIA’s capability in handling high-value cargo, including temperature-controlled products such as pharmaceuticals and perishable goods. These developments will help secure HKIA’s leadership as the world’s busiest cargo airport, as well as Hong Kong’s position as international aviation hub.”
HKIA is the world’s busiest cargo airport and was the first to break the 5 million metric tons per year barrier in 2017.
Cargo volumes increased another 1.5% in 2018 to 5.1 million metric tons, before falling 6.1% in 2019 to 4.8 million metric tons.
The Three-Runway System is expected to be fully commissioned by the end of 2024, and HKIA should have 9 million metric tons of cargo capacity by 2030.