"Passenger flights resume gradually at Hong Kong International Airport"

Sunday, June 15, 2003

Passenger flights resume gradually at HK international airport
China - Xinhuanet


HONG KONG, (Xinhuanet) -- An average of about 200 passenger flights per week
have resumed services at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) in June.

According to a press release from the HKIA, the number of re-instated
flights is expected to further increase in July with an additional 270
weekly flight movements already confirmed to be back in the month's flight
schedule.

Airlines include Air India, Gulf Air, Mekong Airlines, Pacific Airline and
Turkish Airlines that have earlier suspended services to Hong Kong will
resume flights in July, bringing more frequencies back to serve travelers.

Since the Airport Authority (AA) announced its revitalization package to
stimulate traffic growth on May 25, passenger numbers and aircraft movements
have been showing signs of recovery.

"We are glad to see that our revitalization package is showing effect. The
Airport Authority will continue to work closely with our airline partners to
speed up the rate of growth," said the AA spokesman.

"The traffic statistics show that the full impact of severe acute
respiratory syndrome (SARS) was reflected in May. The precautionary measures
taken by the authority and its business partners to maintain a healthy, safe
and secure airport have helped restore confidence on air travel through
HKIA," he said.

He added that the impact of SARS though substantial is only temporary and by
no means will it weaken Hong Kong's position in global aviation. The HKIA's
hub status is further strengthened by the recent announcement by Airport
Council International to relocate its Pacific Regional Office to the city,
shortly followedby the award of Best Airport of the Year to the HKIA for the
third year running.

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