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Hong Kong International Airport’s long-awaited HK$141.5 billion (US$18 billion) three-runway system finally took off on Thursday with hundreds of guests witnessing the historic moment.
At a 45-minute officiating ceremony starting at 3pm, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, Airport Authority chairman Fred Lam Tin-fuk, Chinese vice-minister of transport Xu Chengguang and Civil Aviation Administration of China deputy administrator Liang Nan delivered keynote speeches on the debut of the project.
The three-runway system has been hailed as a “game-changer” for the city to enhance its status as an international aviation hub.
Lee told airlines to enhance their competitiveness as the city expanded its bilateral aviation arrangements and to boost the capacity of both passenger numbers and cargo.
Hong Kong International Airport launches third runway
The highlight of the day was planes taking off and landing on the three runways at the same time. The flights also come with social purposes including treating students to a journey within Hong Kong air space.
The megaproject carries high expectations, with state leaders urging local authorities to turn the city into a world-class international aviation hub – a vision spelled out in Beijing’s latest five-year national plan.
Follow our live updates on the project’s opening.
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