Opinion | How Hong Kong International Airport will reach new heights

The expansion of the airport’s services and facilities heralds new opportunities for China’s gateway to the world

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Published: 9:30am, 17 Jan 2025

How time flies! The fast-approaching Lunar New Year also marks the 100th anniversary of the now-defunct Kai Tak Airport. Since the first recorded flight took to the skies from the Kai Tak Bund a century ago, Hong Kong has made great strides in advancing its aviation credentials, as the three-runway system and Hong Kong International Airport’s recently unveiled Skytopia initiative connect the city to new opportunities.

Indeed, Skytopia builds on the legacies of Kai Tak and Hong Kong International Airport, tying the success of our city with the wider world. Passengers flying into Kai Tak bore exciting witness to an ever-expanding and never-sleeping city where towering buildings touch the sky.

Like Kai Tak Airport, Hong Kong International Airport was founded at a pivotal moment in Hong Kong’s history. Creating extra legroom, it emulated the success of its predecessor, transforming Lantau Island and elevating Hong Kong’s fortunes to new heights.

On the first day of 2025, the home-grown C919’s inaugural scheduled commercial flight between Shanghai and Hong Kong showcased our city to the world, showing that our role as the gateway to the Chinese mainland has never been stronger. As a global aviation hub, Hong Kong plays a vital role in expanding the reach of the new jetliner around the world.

It makes me proud that a Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department flight operation expert took part in the C919’s certification process. In October 2024, the Airport Authority signed a memorandum of understanding with aircraft manufacturer Comac to support C919 aircraft operations and promote them in overseas markets. With the three-runway system now in operation, the airport has even more headroom to expand supporting facilities for C919 maintenance.

However, a city is nothing without its people. In the wake of the C919’s inaugural flight, there is a growing need for maintenance personnel qualified to service the aircraft and the industry is actively training local engineers and mechanics. The Joint Maintenance Management Cooperation Arrangement – signed between the civil aviation authorities of the mainland, Hong Kong and Macau – enables holders of aircraft maintenance licences issued by the three authorities to work in the aircraft maintenance organisations located in the three places.