Airport Authority has unveiled phase one of its $7 billion midfield development project for Hong Kong International Airport, which includes a new concourse with 20 aircraft parking stands, a cross-field taxiway and extending the automated people mover.
     Construction will start in the third quarter for completion by the end of 2015. The midfield area is located to the west of Terminal 1, between the two runways. It is the last piece of land on the airport island available for large-scale development.
     Eleven of the 20 aircraft parking stands to be built at the midfield are bridge-served, inclusive of some stands equipped with three air bridges designed for superjumbo A380 aircraft. The remaining nine stands are operational stands not being connected to the midfield concourse with air bridges in phase one works.
     Secretary Transport & Housing Eva Cheng said the Government will pursue a progressive liberalisation policy on air services, encouraging airlines to add more services to strengthen the international network and the airport's transit role. She said the Airport Authority will launch a public consultation exercise on the airport’s master plan 2030 in the first half of this year.