Chan Maau-po: Strengthening and Enhancing Hong Kong's Position as an International Aviation Hub

On the 16th, Hong Kong SAR Financial Secretary Paul Chan stated in a blog that in the first half of this year, the number of aircraft movements at Hong Kong International Airport exceeded 200,000, an increase of 4.4% year-on-year, while passenger volume reached 32.8 million, up 11.7% from the previous year. Hong Kong will further consolidate and enhance its status as an international aviation hub. Chan mentioned that approximately 140 airlines currently operate flights connecting Hong Kong to over 225 destinations worldwide. Hong Kong's efficient and convenient international connections, along with a series of exhibitions and major events held this year, have successfully attracted more business and leisure travelers to visit. In the first seven months of this year, there have been 31.22 million visitors to Hong Kong, an increase of 12% year-on-year, and the continuous flow of people has injected greater vitality into Hong Kong and created more business opportunities. Chan believes that the status of Hong Kong as an international aviation hub is not only the lifeline of the local aviation industry but also the foundational hardware for Hong Kong to function as a "super value creator" and "super connector," promoting more vibrant trade, logistics, exhibitions, tourism, and broader cultural exchanges. He noted that the airport's three-runway system, which was launched two years ago, will gradually expand the capacity for aircraft movements. The recently opened Departure Hall of the new Terminal 2 has already welcomed 15 airlines, and it is expected to divert about 8 million passengers in its first year, enhancing the airport's capability to handle outbound passenger flow. He stated that Hong Kong will continue to strive to further consolidate and enhance its status as an international aviation hub and inject new vitality into the interconnected development of other related economic sectors.