HKIA ferry service extends to Guangzhou

(Hong Kong, 15 December 2004) - Hong Kong International Airport's (HKIA) highly popular SkyPier ferry transfer service has today extended to Lianhuashan Port in Guangzhou, offering residents at the northern part of the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region hassle-free connection to an extensive global network.

Lianhuashan becomes the sixth port in PRD to be served by SkyPier, following the opening of the Zhongshan-HKIA route last Friday. Other ports include Shekou and Fuyong in Shenzhen, Humen in Dongguan as well as Macau.

Since its opening in September last year, SkyPier has already carried a total of over 860,000 passengers.

Initially two ferry journeys will be offered daily on the new route . The ferry will depart Guangzhou Lianhuashan for HKIA at 10:30am. The return trip departs HKIA at 3:30pm. Journey time is approximately 80 minutes. An adult ticket fare costs RMB00, and children pay RMB20 for a single trip. Sea-to-air passengers who depart HKIA for onward flights are eligible for a tax refund of HK$120.

To ensure smooth operation, the Guangzhou Lianhuashan Port authorities have employed a series of enhancement measures, including setting up dedicated check-in counters, computer systems as well as staff training.

Free shuttle bus services to the Lianhuashan Pier are also offered for passengers at 18 pick-up points across Guangzhou, Panyu and the neighbouring areas.

Commemorating today's opening ceremony, Mr Huang Zhi Tin, Chairman of the Board, Panyu Lian Hua Shan Port Passenger Transport Co, Ltd. said, "The opening of the Guangzhou Lianhuashan - HKIA route is a result of the Closer Economic Partnership Agreement between Hong Kong and the Mainland (CEPA). It provides a platform that connects the Mainland and Hong Kong, strengthens economic cooperation between the two places, and serves as a direct channel that ties PRD to the rest of the world."

Strong trade activities and the growth of individual tourism in Guangzhou and its neighbouring areas have driven the demand for international travel. With an extensive aviation network, frequent flights and exceptional customer services, HKIA has been a favourite airport for PRD residents traveling out of the country.

The Lianhuashan-HKIA connection substantially reduces the traveling time between HKIA and Guangzhou. Passengers using this ferry transfer service bypass customs and immigration formalities, cutting travel time by at least two hours when compared with other cross-boundary transport modes.

Airport Authority Hong Kong's Assistant General Manager of Terminal Business, Ms Ada Tse, said, "Since the SkyPier ferry transfer service was opened we have gained much operational experience. With new sea routes, we have also extended the catchment area of the service. We will continue to extend HKIA's home market into the PRD by adding new destinations, and to provide travelers with more choice as well as convenient access to the airport."

Director/General Manager of Hong Kong International Airport Ferry Services Limited, Mr Tang Yun-long said, "Rapid economic development brings along more demand for overseas travels on the Mainland. The rollout of growth projects at the airport, including SkyCity and AsiaWorld-Expo, will help create more traffic between PRD and HKIA. We will continue to work closely with the Airport Authority to deliver the services to satisfy passenger demands."

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