Airport Authority unveils Operation SkyFit – a multi-million package to bring travellers back to Hong Kong

(HONG KONG, 25 May 2003) - The Airport Authority (AA) today announced a multi-million-dollar revitalisation package under Operation SkyFit to stimulate traffic and bring travellers back to Hong Kong.

The package, announced less than 48 hours after the World Health Organisation lifted its travel advisory on Hong Kong, comprises eight initiatives ranging from programmes to encourage airlines to reinstate cancelled flights with huge discount on landing charges, to lucky draws with a car as prize for air travellers.

AA will launch a global advertising campaign and sponsor co-brand with its airline partners that promote Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) as a safe, secure and healthy airport.

"In the wake of the SARS outbreak, it is important that in addition to providing excellent airport services, it is our duty to ensure that we provide a healthy environment all round, for travellers, for visitors to HKIA and staff alike," said the Chairman of AA Dr Victor Fung.

"Health is now a cornerstone of our airport operations. We want the airlines to tell their passengers that they are flying to a very safe and healthy airport."

Dr Fung said the unique model of Operation SkyFit again highlighted the "spirit of Airport Inc," which involved the entire airport community from airlines to shops, franchisees and government departments operating at HKIA.

"We believe that SARS is well under control in Hong Kong and we should do the right thing to speed up the pace of recovery," said Dr Fung. "Hong Kong, the preferred destination, is now back on the world travellers' road map."

Under AA's Recovery Stimulation Programme, airlines reinstating cancelled flights will enjoy a discount on landing charge. A higher percentage of discount will be offered when a flight resumes with a passenger load factor and vice versa, up to a maximum discount of 50%.