"Hong Kong: Passengers are the star attraction at world-class terminal"

Wednesday, December 8, 2004

Passengers are the star attraction at world-class terminal
The South China Morning Post


PASSENGERS ARE promised a unique and delightful airport experience at Hong
Kong International Airport, complete with a comprehensive range of top-grade
customer facilities and services.

The Airport Authority has sought ways to continuously improve the comfort
and environment under the soaring arched roof of the vast passenger
terminal.

Early this year, the SkyMart complex was expanded, providing 200 shops and
restaurants at the airport, catering for a variety of different tastes and
interests.

The authority has also pledged to constantly bring in new products to the
airport to maintain its attractiveness.

A foot massage service, for instance, complemented with herbal treatment, is
now available, offering passengers a chance to relax while waiting to board.

Airport Authority chief executive David Pang said it had worked hard to
provide a unique airport experience.

While ensuring service quality and efficiency, Chek Lap Kok strives to make
passengers feel as comfortable as possible.

Mr Pang said the unique airport experience was a result of a combination of
efficient facilities and excellent services.

"That will bring joy and good memories for our customers. That's what we are
selling and that's how we can be competitive," he said.

Half the world's population lives within five hours flying time from Chek
Lap Kok, where more than 70 airlines operate flights to more than 140
destinations, including 40 mainland cities.

About 600 flights operate daily to and from the airport, which has an annual
passenger capacity of 45 million. The ultimate capacity is 87 million.

The annual air cargo capacity is now three million tonnes, with the ultimate
target being nine million tonnes.

Continuing key projects include the East Hall expansion of the terminal, and
additional space for check-in, entertainment and commercial purposes, all of
which are designed to attract passengers.

Mr Pang said Chek Lap Kok had to take into account the interest of all
airport users, regardless of their age. To this end, the airport recently
reconfigured its children's play area to offer young travellers more fun
with drawing boards, books and board games. On weekends, children take part
in quiz and colouring competitions, and learn to make handicrafts.

For the convenience of passengers and their families, the airport offers
pleasant resting areas with 15,000 seats available. More than 3,000 public
parking spaces can also be found at the airport's three car parks.

The airport also offers a single-denomination prayer room in the check-in
hall, and 19 well-appointed nursery rooms equipped with changing and feeding
facilities at various locations within the passenger terminal.

Business travellers with suitably equipped laptops can access the internet
from almost anywhere in the passenger terminal.

Porter services are on offer, and there are 12 electric vehicles operating
in the restricted area of the arrivals and departures levels to carry
passengers to aircraft gates.

With increasing ties with the mainland, the airport is also the hub for land
transport to key cities in Guangdong.

Regular cross-border coach services leave the airport to key cities such as
Guangzhou, Dongguan, Shenzhen, Shenzhen Airport, Huizhou, Foshan and
Changping.

Ferry services to the mainland have been enhanced for added convenience.
SkyPier started operating in October 2003, connecting Chek Lap Kok to four
ports in the Pearl River Delta including Shekou, Shenzhen, Macau and Humen
in Dongguan. By the end of this year, two more ports in Zhongshan and
Lianhuashan will be added to the operation.


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