On July 8 familiarization operations began on the third runway of Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). The first flight was made by a Government Flying Service aircraft at 08:24 local time.
Cathay Pacific conducted the first commercial service, flight CX 3251 from Shanghai – Pudong (PVG), operated on a Boeing 747-400F, arrived at 08:27.
«We are delighted to be the first airline to operate a commercial flight using the new Third Runway, and to have that flight operated by the ‘Queen of the Skies,’ one of our 747 freighters. Our cargo fleet has played a pivotal role in keeping essential supplies, particularly vaccines and test kits, moving between Hong Kong and the rest of the world during the pandemic,» said Augustus Tang, Cathay Pacific’s Chief Executive Officer.
Final preparations to familiarize the operation on the third runway and related taxiways began on the evening of July 7, including a joint inspection by the Hong Kong Airport Authority and the Civil Aviation Department.
When the new runway became operational, the center runway was temporarily closed for reconfiguration as part of the development of the three-runway system (3RS). While the center runway is temporarily closed, Hong Kong International Airport will continue to operate as a dual-runway system with a new north runway and a south runway.
In addition to the third runway, the 3RS project includes an expansion of Terminal 2, the development of a new Terminal T2, an automated passenger and baggage handling system, and is scheduled for completion in 2024 as planned.
«The commencement of the Third Runway is a landmark achievement for Hong Kong’s international aviation hub that will greatly enhance its capacity and capability to handle passenger and cargo flights. As an aviation hub, Hong Kong has a key role to play in the country’s development as outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan,» Tang added.
