HONG KONG, 11 July 2022: Cathay Pacific landed the first commercial flight at Hong Kong International Airport’s third runway on 8 July.
The landing of freighter flight CX 3251 from Shanghai Pudong allowed stakeholders from the aviation community to become familiar with the related operating procedures.
Cathay Pacific’s chief executive officer Augustus Tang said: “We are delighted to be the first airline to operate a commercial flight using the new third runway, and for that flight to be operated by the ‘Queen of the Skies’, one of our 747 freighters.
“Our freighter fleet has played a pivotal role in keeping essential supplies, notably vaccines and testing kits, moving between Hong Kong and the rest of the world throughout the pandemic.
“The commencement of the third runway is a milestone achievement for the Hong Kong international aviation hub that will greatly enhance its capacity and capability for handling passenger and cargo flights.
“As an aviation hub, Hong Kong has a critical role to play in the country’s development, as outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan. The growth potential afforded by the commencement of the Three-Runway System at HKIA, together with the opportunities presented by the Greater Bay Area, will ensure that Cathay Pacific and our home hub will remain competitive for many years to come.”
Bloomberg reported the new third runway was part of the “HKD141.5 billion (USD18 billion) project that will increase the airport’s footprint by 50%, adding 650 hectares (1,606 acres), equivalent to the size of Gibraltar.
“Also under construction is a HK$20 billion entertainment, retail and commercial complex being built by local conglomerate New World Development Co that will be larger than New York’s Grand Central Terminal.”
Hong Kong remains considerably behind the pace as far as recovering passenger traffic. During the first five months of 2022, the airport handled 545,000 passengers compared with 31.4 million during the same period in 2019.
Flights Land on Third Runway as Operation Familiarisation Commences
https://www.hongkongairport.com/en/media-centre/press-release/2022/pr_1602
(Source: Cathay Pacific and Bloomberg)
