All operations progessing well at new airport

(HONG KONG, 30 July 1998) -- The new Hong Kong International Airport today reported normal passenger terminal operations and good progress in air cargo. By 2 pm today, 29,000 passengers had passed through the building (there were 85,000 passengers for the 24-hour period yesterday). Two thirds of all flights had left on time or within 15 minutes of schedule. Today's average passenger waiting time for baggage was 14 minutes. Cargo throughput yesterday (Wednesday, 29 July) totalled 4,085 tonnes, compared with 3,052 tonnes on Tuesday. Of yesterday's throughput, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (HACTL) processed 3,323 tonnes, including imports, exports, and express cargo. The throughput for the other air cargo franchisee, Asia Airfreight Terminal (AAT), was 762 tonnes, including express cargo. These figures exclude Hong Kong cargo handled through Macau and Huangtian airports. Ref. PR-383