Airport transfers made faster and smoother for business travelers



The pilot scheme has satisfactorily taken off, says Chapman Fong, right.
The pilot scheme has satisfactorily taken off, says Chapman Fong, right.

Business travelers can directly switch to their private jet within the airport’s restricted area under a new transfer arrangement.

In the past, business travelers landing at the Hong Kong International Airport via commercial flights were required to complete immigration procedures and collect their baggage before heading to the Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre, the city’s aviation support facility for business aircraft, said Airport Authority deputy director of operations Chapman Fong Shui-man.

Passengers also had to find their way between the Business Aviation Centre and Terminal 1 – a six-minute drive between the two locations.

“This convenient arrangement will shorten transfer times by a third. It will help consolidate Hong Kong’s position as an aviation and business center,” he said.

Despite the new transfer arrangement, all security measures will remain the same.

Aviation center deputy general manager Sheree Cheung said transfer procedures used to take passengers around 1 1/2 hours – but that can now be shortened to around 30 to 50 minutes.

“The new arrangement enhances business travelers’ experience with personalized services and protects their privacy,” she said.

Fong says the new arrangement has been implemented as a pilot scheme since Sunday.

Three business travelers were the first to benefit from the new arrangement. They arrived at the airport via a commercial flight from the United States and left for the mainland on a private jet.

“The three passengers’ transfer on Sunday was very smooth and satisfactory,” Fong said.

Cheung says the capacity of the Business Aviation Centre will be increased as the airport’s third runway is expected to be completed this year.

Starting next year, the center’s terminal will have its space doubled with more new facilities.

wallis.wang@singtaonewscorp.com



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