Thursday, January 2, 2025
On January 1, 2025, Hong Kong celebrated the arrival of the first C919 passenger jet, developed and manufactured in China, marking its first scheduled commercial journey beyond Mainland China.
China Eastern Airlines is flying the C919 on a daily route between Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). This event signifies a significant achievement for the domestic aircraft, meeting global aviation standards and heralding a new chapter for Hong Kong as a major international air transport hub.
“We hope that through this scheduled commercial flight, we can bring this historic innovation breakthrough in the Mainland’s production of civil aviation aircraft to our Hong Kong citizens, as well as to the international visitors coming to Hong Kong,” said Mable Chan, Secretary for Transport and Logistics.
“We do hope that through this inaugural flight, we can innovate and establish ourselves in civil aviation, so as to demonstrate our position under ‘one country, two systems’ and our advantage of facilitating the Mainland’s achievements to flourish with Hong Kong’s position.”
She highlighted three areas where Hong Kong could demonstrate its strengths and advantages. First, aircraft maintenance. HKIA has rich experience and comprehensive ancillary facilities that can fully support the maintenance of China-made aircraft outside of the Mainland. Second, training. The Hong Kong International Aviation Academy is an important aviation training centre in Asia, and is considering expanding its training programmes to cover areas related to C919. Third, aircraft leasing. With a preferential tax regime for aircraft leasing, coupled with Hong Kong’s well-established legal and financial systems as well as being the world’s largest offshore renminbi business centre, the city has an edge in aircraft leasing and can help the expansion of China-made aircraft in the international market through “finance leasing” in the city.
Earlier, Chan thanked the Civil Aviation Administration of China for its continued strong support of Hong Kong, and said the C919 scheduled commercial flights would give more Hong Kong residents “a chance to step on the C919 and experience the remarkable achievements of the nation’s aviation development.”
“As an international aviation hub located in the heart of Asia, with half of the world’s population within a five-hour flight, and with the newly opened three-runway system (3RS), Hong Kong will continue to capitalise on its unique advantage of connecting the nation and the world under ‘one country, two systems’,” Chan said.
The third runway system (3RS) at HKIA, launched on November 28, 2024, has initiated a transformative period for Hong Kong’s aviation sector, enhancing its capacity to drive economic growth.
With the operational 3RS, HKIA, which holds the title of the busiest airport for air freight globally, is set to boost its capacity substantially. By 2035, the airport plans to handle approximately 120 million passengers and 10 million tonnes of cargo annually.
HKIA is transitioning into an expansive Airport City. New developments include fostering an arts industry ecosystem, expanding AsiaWorld-Expo, constructing a yacht bay with supportive amenities, and introducing a market for imported fresh food. These initiatives aim to more than double the current scope of Airport City, establishing a new global landmark.
Sunday, January 5, 2025
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