Commemorative dinner to celebrate airport completion

(HONG KONG, 25 April 1998) -- The Airport Authority tonight marked the completion of the new Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok with a charity dinner in the passenger terminal.

The dinner, organised in conjunction with the Community Chest and held in the building's spectacular Arrivals Hall, celebrated the completion of the new airport's opening phase works. Television station TVB provided live entertainment for the event, which was broadcast throughout Hong Kong.

"The new airport is one of the greatest engineering projects ever undertaken in Hong Kong," said Guest of Honour Mr Tung Chee Hwa, the Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive. "It is a symbol of our outstanding achievement, drawing on the resources of our own people,"

"The new Hong Kong International Airport is one of the finest in the world. Among the many factors leading to our success, the most important of all was the successful partnership between the Airport Authority and its consultants, contractors, business partners and the Government. Their commitment and dedication have made this project a fruitful success."

Airport Authority Chairman Mr Wong Po-yan congratulated those who had participated in the project:

"After nine years of planning and construction, the new Hong Kong International Airport is now completed on schedule and within budget," Mr Wong said. "I would like to thank all those who have been involved in this project, including experts and workers from all over the world, various Government departments, contractors and our business partners."

"This magnificent airport will facilitate the long-term economic development of the Hong Kong SAR and China, and foster Hong Kong's position as an international and regional aviation centre."

Mr Tung and Mr Wong also thanked the Community Chest for their help in organising the event.

The official new airport opening ceremony is being organised separately by the Hong Kong SAR Government and will be held closer to the actual opening date of 6 July.

Ref. PR-339