Capacity Enhancement

HKIA's throughput reached 70.5 million passengers and 4.64 million tonnes of cargo in 2016/17. According to the traffic forecast from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in 2012, it is expected that HKIA’s throughput will grow to 102.3 million passengers and 8.9 million tonnes of cargo by 2030.

Meeting Hong Kong’s growing demand for air transport at world-class service levels is a constant challenge. Before the completion of the three-runway system (3RS) to meet the city’s long-term air traffic demand, we are striving to enhance the existing two-runway system (2RS) through facilities expansion and adoption of innovative technologies for process improvement.

Enhancing the Existing 2RS

Proceeding with the remaining phase of the Midfield Apron Development to provide additional capacity.
Construction of the T1 Annex Building to provide additional check-in, immigration, security, and baggage reclaim facilities.
Construction of a new 12-storey building adjacent to the existing Car Park 4, providing around 1,400 indoor parking spaces, and a permanent venue for Hong Kong International Aviation Academy (HKIAA), the Airport Preschool, and other staff amenities.
Expansion of T1 East Hall – Additional airline service counters, a new roof garden and more recreational facilities.
“Sky Bridge” – A 200-metre long air-conditioned footbridge connecting T1 and the North Satellite Concourse (NSC), replacing the current bus link on apron level.

Facilities expansion

Midfield Apron Development

Following the opening of the Midfield Concourse (MFC) and the addition of 20 aircraft parking stands in December 2015, we are now proceeding with the remaining phase of the Midfield Apron Development which will increase our parking stands from the current 182 to 215 in 2020, providing additional capacity in the interim period before the completion of the 3RS in 2024.

Terminal 1 (T1) Enhancement Projects

In June 2017, we announced a series of major projects to increase HKIA’s existing handling capacity and provide a vibrant new passenger experience. These will cost about HK$7 billion and are expected to be completed in phases by 2020. Key enhancement projects include:

  • Construction of the T1 Annex Building
  • Construction of a new 12-storey building adjacent to the existing Car Park 4
  • Expansion of T1 East Hall
  • A 200-metre long "Sky Bridge"
  • Construction of the T1 Annex Building to provide additional check-in, immigration, security, and baggage reclaim facilities.
  • Construction of a new 12-storey building adjacent to the existing Car Park 4, providing around 1,400 indoor parking spaces, and a permanent venue for Hong Kong International Aviation Academy (HKIAA), the Airport Preschool, and other staff amenities.
  • Expansion of T1 East Hall – Additional airline service counters, a new roof garden and more recreational facilities.
  • “Sky Bridge” – A 200-metre long air-conditioned footbridge connecting T1 and the North Satellite Concourse (NSC), replacing the current bus link on apron level.

Technology applications for process improvement

Over the past years, we have been proactively exploring and leveraging technology applications to enhance operational efficiency.

Key initiatives
Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM)

A-CDM is a tool that helps to improve the overall operational efficiency of the airport by enabling airport stakeholders to work together through the sharing of updated and accurate operational data. In 2016/17, we organised four workshops with the airport community to collect their feedback and identify the system requirements. In July 2017, we started to implement HKIA A-CDM in phases. It provides tracking of the turnaround process and aircraft pre-departure sequencing, thus improving the airlines’ departure on-time-performance and optimising the utilisation of aircraft parking stands.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

In November 2015, we introduced a GPS-based Vehicle Tracking System (VTS) to provide real-time tracking of the locations and movements of all vehicles and motorised equipment on the airside. The VTS allows operators to deploy their vehicles more efficiently, and helps to improve the safety and efficiency of airside operations. Over 3,000 airfield vehicles and motorised ground service equipment (GSE) were equipped with VTS in 2016/17. We will continue to explore other means of equipment location tracking and extend the usage to over 7,000 non-motorised vehicles and GSE such as baggage dollies and passenger steps by 2020.