The Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre (HKBAC), Asia’s Premier Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), broke ground today to commence its HK$400 million in-situ expansion.
The project is scheduled to complete in tandem with the Three-runway System and will contribute to enhancing Hong Kong’s ability to provide world class business aviation services underlining the city’s international aviation hub status.
The Ground-breaking Ceremony was officiated at by Mr. Lam Sai-hung, Secretary for Transport & Logistics, Guest of Honour, with guests including Mr. Algernon Yau Ying-wah, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development, Captain Victor Liu Chi-yung, DirectorGeneral of Civil Aviation as well as Mr. Jack So Chak-kwong, Chairman of Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) and Mr. Fred Lam Tin-fuk, Chief Executive Officer of AAHK.
Representing HKBAC’s shareholders on the occasion were Mr. Raymond Kwok, Chairman and Managing Director of Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited and The Hon. Sir Michael D. Kadoorie, Director of Sir Elly Kadoorie & Sons Limited and Director of HKBAC. Mr. Allen Fung Yuk-lun, Chairman of HKBAC and Mr. Philip L. Kadoorie, Director of Sir Elly Kadoorie & Sons Limited also joined the Ceremony.
Mr. Lam Sai-hung, Secretary for Transport & Logistics, said “HKBAC will, by virtue of this expansion project, be well-positioned to stay on top of the competition, improve the travel experience for passengers and tap into the rapid growth of business aviation demand in the Greater Bay Area and beyond, thereby helping Hong Kong to maintain its status as a premier international aviation hub.”
Mr. Jack So Chak-kwong, Chairman of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said, “Business aviation plays an important role in strengthening Hong Kong’s status as a global financial centre, and Hong Kong International Airport’s position as an international aviation hub.
“It provides business travellers with enhanced flexibility and efficiency, which are advantages in our modern commercial world.
“Upon completion of the expansion in 2025, Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre will double its handling capacity for business jet movements, tying in with our Three-runway System and the Airport City developments.”
Mr Raymond Kwok, Chairman & Managing Director of Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited, referred to the impact of the challenging COVID pandemic over the last nearly three years and said, “There are always new challenges, and with that the need for new solutions.
“Originally, most of our clients were business owners, banking executives and high net-worth individuals.
“Now our clients have become more broad-based and group charters had begun to figure more prominently.
“We want to re-think how best to meet their differing requirements.
“The Threerunway System is coming online and the Greater Bay Area beckons. Hong Kong’s traditional gateway role will resume as soon as the door swings open.
“Like New York and London, Hong Kong plays a key role in servicing the needs of international capital.
“HKBAC’s role is to serve the needs of those at centre of these investment decisions for whom time is money, speed essential and freedom of movement vital.”
The Hon Sir Michael D. Kadoorie, long time aviation advocate, said, “We’ve always embraced a long-term view for aviation and Hong Kong.
“We believe in connectivity and Hong Kong’s unique competitive edge as a world city known for the highest standards and best services, in addition to the plentiful development opportunities just across the boundary into the Greater Bay Area.
“Business aviation, with the option of cross-boundary helicopter commercial services, presents a seamless way to go from and to Hong Kong within the GBA and will help drive and raise integration momentum to benefit Hong Kong and the GBA.
“Despite the impact of the pandemic, I strongly believe, as my late father said likening it to a bouncing ball – the further it drops, the higher it will come back in future.”
In response to rising demand and the changing demand landscape, HKBAC’s expansion plan will proceeded in two parts: the first includes the refurbishment and expansion of the existing Executive Terminal Building (ETB) with an upgrade on the co-located customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ), plus a new all-weather canopy stretching from the ETB to shield and serve both aircraft and passengers.
The second part features a new Support Terminal with enlarged facilities to cope with emerging demands from chartered flights and group travel flights, plus additional offices for fellow business aviation stakeholders, both to be launched in 2025.
Mr. Robert Chan, Executive Director of Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited and Project Director of the expansion project said, “it is one of the most exciting projects that needs to cater to customer’s demands emphasising higher efficiency, greater flexibility, and better privacy.
“Together with the existing HKBAC facilities, the in-situ expansion shall deliver an area 5 times that of the existing ones and the number of car-parking bays double the existing provision.
“The new HKBAC shall include designated and exclusive drop off and fast track check-in for ultimate privacy access when required by the customer.
“The new Terminal Building shall include VIP Lounge and Suites for individuals, families and groups, providing world class services.
“The thoughtfully designed CIQ shall allow fast-track departure and arrival.
“Pilot and Crew lounges are also enhanced to provide well-equipped spaces for them to work on their flight plan or simply to rest.
“The new HKBAC will also be a good place for aviation-related business events and shows.
“As an iconic feature of the new Terminal Building, “The Canopy” is first-of-it-kind in Asia and commands a span of over 26 meters.
“It is designed to cover a private jet and to serve and protect its customers from different weather conditions.
“Various green and smart features including solar panels, EV chargers, and smart building management system are also provided in the new HKBAC with various green labels.”