Exciting "cyber" facilities to open in Passenger Terminal

(HONG KONG, 20 October 2000) -- Passengers will be able to get well and truly wired at Hong Kong International Airport thanks to a number of innovative internet-based and "cyber-themed" amenities to open in the passenger terminal in November.

The Airport Authority (AA) Chairman, Dr Victor Fung Kwok-king, announced the initiatives during an interview with Radio Television Hong Kong's "Leaders of Hong Kong" television series tonight. He said the AA had a number of plans to provide more and better passenger facilities, especially on the airside. As a result, a number of internet-based services will be introduced to the passenger terminal.

Dr Fung said the new facilities would provide important services for business travellers and a great variety of entertainment and shopping for other passengers.

They include:

Multi-media lounge

High-speed, broadband internet access will be provided free for airport users. This will include full and unrestricted access to worldwide web; email services; and real-time news, finance, and travel information. It will have direct links to World Room, Reuters and Samsung websites.

Internet Cafe

A part of the "Cyber Zone" (see below), the cafe will offer free use of 14 workstations, coffee and tea, newspapers and magazines.

Wireless internet access

Services are being installed to give passengers building-wide internet access via their own PCs with wireless LAN cards.

Internet access at common use lounges

The Plaza Premium Lounge in the West Hall and its sister lounge to open in the East Hall offer free internet access as part of their daily packages. Passengers wishing only to use the internet can pay by hourly or 30-minute intervals.

The Cyber Zone

This will be a unique shopping concept at the Airport, with easy access for transfer passengers. The retail outlets in this area will have a "cyber"/electronics theme, and feature innovative shop designs and layout. Shoppers will be given hands-on access to many products. A free children's play area will be an added attraction in this area.

Ref. PR-536