Tuesday, July 16, 2024 Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has launched a new initiative aimed at incentivizing airlines to expand their services and increase flight frequencies to and from Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), bolstering its status as a global aviation hub. Following the conclusion of the Early Bird Guaranteed Landing Charge Rebate Scheme earlier this year, AAHK introduced the Airport Network Development Programme (the Programme) in June 2024 after consultations with local and international airline representatives. The Programme consists of two main schemes: the New Route Scheme and the Strategic Development Scheme.
Under the New Route Scheme, both passenger and cargo airlines that establish new routes connecting to HKIA on a sustained basis are eligible for financial incentives over a two-year period. This opportunity extends to airlines currently operating at HKIA as well as newcomers, with applications being accepted from June 1, 2024, through December 31, 2027. The Strategic Development Scheme encourages airlines to align their route expansions with AAHK’s strategic objectives.
Airlines launching new routes or increasing frequencies to regions or countries targeted by AAHK will receive financial incentives over a three-year period. Additionally, airlines utilizing the HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park (HKIALP) for air cargo operations can qualify for incentives on incremental cargo flights, provided all cargoes are accepted at HKIALP in Dongguan. Vivian Cheung, Acting Chief Executive Officer of AAHK, said , “Air network connectivity is pivotal to an international aviation hub like HKIA.
While we are confident in HKIA’s development in the long term, the new Programme serves to encourage home-based and foreign airlines to bring forward their launch of new routes and/or increase in frequency of flights connecting to HKIA. The Programme has already received positive response from airlines since its launch last month. AAHK will continue to engage with existing local and foreign airlines at HKIA and is outreaching to other airlines about the Programme.
Furthermore, AAHK has been providing sponsorship to airlines for their promotional activities associated with the launch of new routes at HKIA..
