SkyPier adds Zhongzhan as new destination

(Hong Kong, 10 December 2004) - The catchment area of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has today further extended to Zhongshan with the launch of the SkyPier cross-boundary ferry services between the two places.

The number of Pearl River Delta (PRD) ports served by SkyPier is now increased to five. The first ferry from Zhongshan Port arrived at 11:40am today at HKIA. After checking in for their flights at airline counters at the SkyPier, passengers boarded bonded vehicles for the terminal building for the onward flights to overseas destinations. Bypassing customs and immigration formalities, passengers from the PRD could substantially reduce the traveling time required to catch a flight at Hong Kong's airport.

With rapid development in Zhongshan and its neighbouring areas, demand for overseas travel has been on the increase. The new sea route has provided additional convenience to travelers, and enhanced the external transport network of Zhongshan.

Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, Dr David J Pang, said, "We wish to thank the authorities in Guangdong, Zhongshan and Hong Kong for their support in the opening of this new route. The introduction of this additional route is one further step in achieving the targets set out in our strategy of extending our home market. The inclusion of the west side of the PRD into our extended reach will further strengthen HKIA's status as a multi-modal hub of air, sea and land connections within the Region."

The Zhongshan cross-boundary ferry-transfer service is a new addition to ferry services offered at Fuyong and Shekou in Shenzhen, Humen in Dongguan, and Macau. To facilitate the opening of the new route, the Zhongshan Port authorities have dedicated special service counters, IT systems and provided intensive training for its staff.

Initially two ferry journeys will be offered daily. The ferry will depart Zhongshan for HKIA at 10:30am. The return trip departs HKIA at 2:00pm. Journey time is approximately 70 minutes.

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