AA unveils details of multi-purpose SkyPlaza development

(HONG KONG, 18 April 2002) - The Airport Authority (AA) will invite Expressions of Interest from developers worldwide to build and manage a key new passenger facility, transport interchange and business centre at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).  

The multi-purpose development , to be called SkyPlaza, will feature a variety of facilities for passengers and other airport users, but with a special emphasis on tour groups and passengers travelling to or from the Mainland. Dedicated amenities for these customers include group check-in facilities and a tour coach station.  

SkyPlaza will be connected to the Passenger Terminal via the Airport Express railway station. The development will be the gateway for SkyCity, the 57-hectare commercial district that will also be home to Hong Kong's second exhibition centre and other airport-related businesses. It will enjoy excellent transport connections, with Airport Express links to the city and bus connections throughout Hong Kong and into Mainland China. Speedy connections will also be provided for links with the future cross boundary passenger ferry terminal.  

AA Commercial Director Mr Hans Bakker said SkyPlaza would provide additional improved facilities for passengers and the airport community, and create more value for the traffic that passes through the airport every day.  

"One key component of airport business is passenger flow management," Mr Bakker said. "Our aim is to make that flow seamless, comfortable and user friendly - in short, an enjoyable experience from start to finish.  

"At the same time we want to create an environment with comprehensive facilities for the business sector to capitalise on the value of that passenger flow."  

The lower floors of SkyPlaza will include a 30,000 sq m retail centre. Directly connected to the Airport Express railway station, the podium will house tour group check-in facilities and an expanded tour coach bus station. The retail accommodation comprises shops, cafes and entertainment facilities including an IMAX 3D theatre and an aviation museum.  

Above the podium will be four eight-storey office building structures with a total gross floor area of 60,000 sqm. The AA's corporate headquarters will occupy about a quarter of this space. Another key tenant will be The Hong Kong World Trade Centre, providing a wide range of business services and facilities in one convenient location. Airlines and airport-related businesses are expected to be the remaining tenants.  

"SkyPlaza will be a gateway development in more ways than one," Mr Bakker said. "It will be the 'door' to SkyCity, our major commercial development planned for the northeast area of the airport. But SkyPlaza also encapsulates what HKIA is striving to achieve as a leading international transport and logistics hub connecting the world with China by air, land and sea.  

"This will be a facility designed for multiple purposes, integrating multiple forms of transport, and catering to a wide range of users from Hong Kong and abroad. It is more than a piece of transport infrastructure. It is an asset to facilitate trade and economic development. It will be a truly dynamic place that attracts more value added activities to Hong Kong, providing even better service to business and leisure travellers."  

Notes to editors: Advertisement of Invitation to Expressions of Interest (EOI) will appear in newspapers on 19 April 2002. Closing date for EOI submission is 20 June, 2002.