HKIA Closes Centre Runway as New Third Runway Opens for Familiarisation

(11 July 2022, 11:43 +07)  Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) opened the Third Runway, designated as the new North Runway, on Friday.

A Government Flying Service plane was the first to land on the runway followed by the first commercial flight, a Cathay Pacific Boeing 747-400F operating as CX3251 from Shanghai (Pudong).

The opening is part of the operation familiarisation that allows stakeholders from the aviation community to become familiar with the related operating procedures and collaborative arrangements.

HKIA closes Centre Runway as new Third Runway opens for familiarisation

As familiarisation on the new runway began, the Centre Runway was temporarily closed for reconfiguration as part of the Three-runway System (3RS) development.

While the Centre Runway is closed, HKIA will continue to operate as a two-runway system with the new North Runway and the South Runway.

“We are delighted to be the first airline to operate a commercial flight using the new Third Runway, and for that flight to be operated by the ‘Queen of the Skies’, one of our 747 freighters,” said Augustus Tang, Chief Executive Officer. “The commencement of the Third Runway is a milestone achievement for the Hong Kong international aviation hub that will greatly enhance its capacity and capability for handling passenger and cargo flights. As an aviation hub, Hong Kong has a critical role to play in the country’s development, as outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan. The growth potential afforded by the commencement of the Three-Runway System at HKIA, together with the opportunities presented by the Greater Bay Area, will ensure that Cathay Pacific and our home hub will remain competitive for many years to come.”

In addition to the Third Runway, the 3RS project comprises the expansion of Terminal 2, development of a new T2 Concourse, Automatic People Mover and Baggage Handling System, and is targeted to complete in 2024 as scheduled.

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