SkyPier to add two new Pearl River Delta destinations

(3 November 2004, Hong Kong) - Two more berths will be added to the SkyPier ferry transfer terminal at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) to cater to extra traffic from two additional ports in the Pearl River Delta (PRD).

Announcing the extension of services to Zhongshan and Lianhuashan in Guangzhou, which are expected to be operational by the end of 2004, Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) Chief Executive Officer Dr David J Pang said the new routes will enhance the accessibility of the airport to more residents of the PRD.

Currently four ports within the PRD, namely Shekou and Fuyong in Shenzhen, Humen in Dongguan as well as Macau are connected to the SkyPier. As transfer travelers, ferry passengers bypass immigration and customs formalities at HKIA, cutting by up to half the transit time.

The innovative service, which transforms HKIA into a truly multi-modal international transportation hub with seamless interconnection, is a significant step in AA's business strategy of extending its home market to reach out to 26 million residents in the PRD. Over 770,000 passengers have taken advantage of the service at the temporary ferry pier since its opening in September last year. A permanent cross-boundary pier will be built and operational by early 2007.

Commemorating the first anniversary of the opening of the SkyPier, Dr Pang said, "At HKIA we have positioned ourselves to better connect the PRD and the world through our extensive aviation network and multi-modal interconnection. The popularity of the ferry transfer service confirms the demand for quick, hassle-free services between the PRD and the airport."

"I wish to thank the authorities in Guangdong and Hong Kong to help make the ferry transfer service possible, and we look forward to their continuous support in initiatives such as up-stream check-in," he added.

At present, 45 trips per day are served by the high-speed boats of the two ferry operators Chu Kong and Shun Tak. Director & General Manager of Hong Kong International Airport Ferry Services Limited (HKIAFS), a 60-40 joint venture formed by the two ferry operators Chu Kong Shipping Enterprises (Holdings) Ltd and Shun Tak - China Travel International Logistics Investment Ltd, Mr Tang Yun-long said, "Patronage for the service has continued to rise since the opening. Passenger growth of recent months was particularly spectacular, averaging at more than 85,000 passengers per month. In the single month of October, passenger number exceeded 100,000."

Service enhancement measures were introduced over the past year. Two additional check-in desks and one security screening channel were added to cope with the growing demand of passenger flow.

- SkyPier General Information

Officiating at the 1st Anniversary Reception of SkyPier are (from left to right):

Ms Pansy Ho, Managing Director of Shun Tak Holdings Ltd.,

Mr Yang Liansheng, Chairman of Guangdong Province Navigator Holdings Co. Ltd.,

Dr David J Pang, AA Chief Executive Officer, and Mr Chen Ai-xue, Director and Deputy General Manager of Chu Kong Shipping Enterprises (Holdings) Co. Ltd. and Chairman of Hong Kong International Airport Ferry Services Limited.

- Download Photo

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