New Arrangements on Air Services with the Mainland and India Strengthen Hong Kong’s Position as a Regional and International Aviation Centre

(HONG KONG, 27 December 2007) - Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) today welcomed the completion of the new rounds of reviews on air services arrangements between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Government of the Republic of India and the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China respectively.  In addition to reinforcing Hong Kong's position as a leading regional and international aviation centre, the new arrangements also enhance access for Hong Kong people and businesses to two of the world's fastest growing economies.

The new arrangements between Hong Kong and the Mainland further liberalise the aviation market and give carriers of the Mainland and Hong Kong greater flexibility to provide air services between Hong Kong and cities on the Mainland. The new arrangements with the Mainland will take effect from end-March 2008, while the arrangements with India come into immediate effect.

AA Chairman Dr Victor Fung said, "The new arrangements not only mark a breakthrough in connectivity between Hong Kong and India, but also help expand India's air network to the Mainland and the US markets via Hong Kong. The enhanced connectivity among Hong Kong, India, the Mainland and the US will contribute to the economic growth and development of these places." 

The new arrangements also include the exchange of fifth freedom rights with India, making Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) an en route stop for flights originating in India that are bound for North America. This will buttress HKIA's role as an aviation hub.

Commenting on the new arrangements with the Mainland, AA Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hui said, "The new arrangements represent a major step forward in expanding air services between Hong Kong and the Mainland.  It will allow more carriers from the Mainland and Hong Kong to provide air services on routes between Hong Kong and the Mainland and offer greater capacity and frequency as well.  By strengthening links between HKIA's international network and the rapidly expanding Hong Kong/Mainland network of services, the new arrangements will further enhance Hong Kong's role as a regional and international aviation centre." 

From January to October 2007, 277,000 passengers travelled on routes between Hong Kong and India, up 3% from the same period in 2006, and 8.6 million passengers flew between Hong Kong and the Mainland, up 9.5% from 2006.

Each week, around 780 passenger flights and 60 freighter services operate between HKIA and 42 Mainland destinations in each direction. HKIA is connected to Delhi and Mumbai by a total of 20 passenger flights and 20 freighter services per week in each direction.