Hong Kong International Airport Sets New Annual Records for Passengers and Flight Movements in 2015/16

Moving toward a smart airport to enhance passenger experience

(HONG KONG, 29 June 2016) – Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) today announced that Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) handled 69.7 million passengers and 410,000 flight movements in 2015/16, setting new annual records in both categories. The totals represent year-on-year increases of 7.8% and 3.6% respectively. Cargo throughput softened 1.4% to 4.3 million tonnes during the year. HKIA remained the world’s third busiest international passenger airport, while in the cargo front, HKIA continued to be the world’s busiest cargo airport for the sixth consecutive year.

Jack So Chak-kwong, Chairman of the AA, said, “We are delighted that HKIA had such a remarkable year. In addition to handling record numbers of passengers and flights, HKIA also won the prestigious 'Airport of the Year' award from Air Transport World for its total commitment to service excellence. These results would not be possible without the collective effort and dedication of our 73,000 airport staff, who work closely together every day to make HKIA the world’s leading airport.”

HKIA’s airline and destination network also expanded during the financial year. Airlines that began serving the airport for the first time included AirAsia Zest, Jetstar Pacific, Scandinavian Airlines, Malindo Air, Etihad Airways and Sky Lease Cargo. Myanmar National Airlines resumed service to Hong Kong. Düsseldorf of Germany and Gold Coast of Australia joined HKIA’s extensive destination network, while direct service to Boston in the United States resumed. As at the end of March 2016, HKIA had over 100 airlines serving over 190 destinations.

The number of passengers using HKIA’s land and sea cross-boundary transport during the year increased to 4.9 million. This included 2.81 million passengers who made trips between HKIA and SkyPier ferry destinations in Macao and the Pearl River Delta, 0.1% higher than last year. Lianhuashan in Guangzhou became the ninth ferry port added to the SkyPier network. HKIA also handled 2.1 million cross-boundary passengers by coaches and limousines, an increase of 1.2% over 2014/15.

The five-storey Midfield Concourse was completed on schedule and commenced operation during the year. It gives HKIA 20 additional parking positions that can handle approximately 20% of the airport’s daily flights, and raises capacity by at least 10 million passengers a year. On the other hand, the AA revised financial arrangements for the Three-runway System (3RS) project, and the Chief Executive-in-Council approved in April 2016 the draft Chek Lap Kok Outline Zoning Plan and the authorisation of the reclamation under the Foreshore and Sea-bed (Reclamation) Ordinance, both of which are milestones for the 3RS.

"HKIA had a great year in terms of airport development. But in order to meet long-term air traffic demand, HKIA must expand into a 3RS. We are grateful for the Executive Council’s approval and will start construction as soon as possible, striving to make sure that the project is completed on time and within budget," Mr So added.

In addition to new infrastructure, the AA has been employing new technologies to transform HKIA into a smart airport for enhanced service standards, higher operational efficiency and a better passenger experience. In September 2015, the AA also held its first HKIA Technovation Conference and Exhibition, which showcased opportunities at HKIA for local technology companies and business partners. During the year, several new technology initiatives were rolled out, including the self-bag drop system and “iCheck-in Agents”, which can accelerate the check-in process of passengers. In addition, AA has installed tracking devices in more than 50% of the motorised vehicles used on the airside to help make resource deployment more efficient.

Fred Lam, Chief Executive Officer of the AA said, “We have also been striving to enhance airport’s software for better service quality and passenger experience. During the financial year, the AA debuted a six-month long ‘Hong Kong Classics: Art, Culture and Music’ programme, exhibiting painting, sculpture, photography and a wide range of music to travellers. An Arts and Culture Advisory Committee was established to give advice on future events and make HKIA a place that travellers enjoy and want to revisit. In addition, we have introduced various retail promotion campaigns throughout the year. This included the ‘I Love Hong Kong’ retail zone in the Departures East Hall, which comprises 14 well-known local brands offering a variety of Hong Kong products including food, fashion and traditional Chinese medicine.”

During the year, revenue and profit attributable to the equity shareholder saw strong growth of 11.1% and 15.2% respectively, increasing to HK$18,184 million and HK$8,359 million for the 12 months ended 31 March 2016. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased 9% year on year to HK$12,336 million.

The AA’s Annual Report 2015/16 was published today and can be viewed on HKIA’s website at (http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/media/publication/annual-reports-2015-16.html).