Admin & Civic Affairs

CE seeks runway plan unity

(March 24, 2015)

Chief Executive CY Leung said today he hopes society can unite to overcome issues concerning plans for a third runway at Hong Kong International Airport.
 
Speaking to reporters ahead of this morning's Executive Council meeting, Mr Leung said the airport plays an important role in Hong Kong's economic development as it provides employment, which is essential for the community. 
 
He said the Government is willing to discuss various proposals with those who hold different views about the plan, but stressed that society must first have the determination to push the project forward.
 
Mr Leung also said the city's status as an international aviation hub is important not only for Hong Kong, but for the southern Mainland region and the whole country.
 
The Chief Executive noted that the Central Government is supportive of the city's airport and aviation industry development, adding that he is confident airspace management issues can be resolved through coordination between the Special Administrative Region and Mainland authorities. 
 
Mr Leung stressed that construction of the new runway cannot be held back until every problem has been resolved, as the two-runway system would be operating at capacity before the third one would be ready.