SkyPlaza a fusion point for multi-modal flows

2005/01/11

(Hong Kong, 11 January 2005) - Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) today signed three contracts for the construction and development of SkyPlaza, the extended passenger facility (Terminal Two) at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) which will become the fusion point for multi-modal transport linking Hong Kong with the Mainland.

The HK$2 billion development project has been designed to facilitate the convergence and interflow of sea, land and air passenger traffic which are set for a rapid growth following China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO), as well as the opening of Asia World Expo and Disneyland on Lantau Island.

AA's Chief Executive Officer Dr David J Pang said, "The airport's multi-modal transport facilities have been successful in stimulating the flows of people and goods between Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta and beyond. To fully capture the vast market opportunities that are presented to us, we will continue to invest in infrastructure and enhance our competitiveness."

SkyPlaza, located on the east side of the existing passenger terminal building (Terminal One), will house the second passenger terminal with customs, immigration and quarantine facilities; a coach station for cross-boundary routes as well as Disneyland-HKIA buses; and also 35,000 sqm of retail, catering and entertainment areas. A "People Mover System" will link SkyPlaza to Terminal One and is also planned to be extended to a new permanent ferry terminal.

The integrated SkyPlaza development will provide office space for business partners. It will also be home for AA's headquarters. AA's Commercial Director Mr Hans Bakker said, "SkyPlaza will be the world's new centre of attention. As a focal point of activities that are vital to establishing HKIA as the international aviation hub, SkyPlaza is one the greatest excitements for the aviation industry in the region, as well as the envy of many airports."

"This is a further illustration that HKIA is more than an airport. SkyPlaza has an enviable position at the heart of SkyCity, a complex that houses the new Asia World-Expo, a vast new international exhibition centre. There is also a 9-hole golf course, a hotel and office tower, as well as the SkyPier," he added.

The SkyPlaza Building Works construction contract was signed between AA and Chun Wo - Fujita Joint Venture. It was the largest single contract the AA has awarded since the airport opening. Chun Wo - Fujita JV was also awarded a contract for extending the People Mover tunnel to connect SkyPlaza and the future permanent ferry terminal. A separate contract was signed with Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. to provide the SkyPlaza People Mover system.

SkyPlaza which has a gross floor area of 140,000 sqm is one of the largest building projects in Hong Kong at present and due for completion in mid 2006. A workforce of 1,600 personnel will be recruited during the construction phase.