The Airport Authority has earmarked $4.5 billion for enhancement projects at Hong Kong International Airport.

Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, the authority's Chief Executive Officer David Pang said it will spend about $1.5 billion on the passenger terminal while the remaining $3 billion will be used to enhance the airfield.

Mr Pang said the projects will help the airport provide a pleasant ambience as well as a unique, memorable and dynamic airport experience for all airport users.

Future look: Airport Authority Chief Executive Officer David Pang (left) says works are underway to enhance Hong Kong International Airport's facilities, including the Passenger Terminal and the Arrivals Central Concourse.

Key projects

One of the key projects will be the enhancement of Arrivals Central Concourse. Some existing offices will be removed to widen the corridor.

The ambience will be improved by changing the facade to full-height glass cladding, to brighten up the concourse and give passengers an open view of the aircraft apron.

More facilities will be added to smoothe passenger flow. Transfer desks at arrivals level will be increased from 44 to 70 and immigration counters from 125 to 147. Security channels at both arrivals and departures levels will also be increased from nine to 15, and 16 to 22.

To cater for the change in aircraft mix and the future need for extra parking stands, a new concourse will be built to support  small aircrafts' movement.

Close to the existing passenger terminal, the new Satellite Concourse will be linked with 10 bridge-served aircraft stands. A total of 11 parking stands will be upgraded.

More cargo stands

At the airfield, 10 additional cargo stands and taxiways will be constructed to boost operational efficiency and facilitate air freighter movement. Upon completion, the number of cargo stands will rise to 35.

To facilitate the operation of new giant A380 aircraft, the taxiway shoulders will be widened while the parking-bay servicing facilities will be upgraded to comply with aerodrome licensing requirements.

Five new parking stands tailored for low-fare carriers and other carriers that require quick turnaround are under construction and will be ready for operation in April.