Airport

AAHK Introduces Financial Incentives for Airlines to Expand Routes to HKIA

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has introduced a new programme to provide incentives for airlines to open more routes and increase frequency of flights connecting to Hong Kong, with a view to further strengthening the position of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) as an international aviation hub.

Following the Early Bird Guaranteed Landing Charge Rebate Scheme which ended in March this year, AAHK launched the new Airport Network Development Programme (the Programme) in June 2024 after consultation with local and foreign airlines’ representatives. The Programme includes two schemes, namely the New Route Scheme and the Strategic Development Scheme.

Under the New Route Scheme, all passenger and cargo airlines that launch new destinations connecting to HKIA with a defined continuity will be eligible to receive financial incentives for two years.

Both airlines now operating at HKIA and airlines that are new to HKIA are eligible to receive incentives from the Programme, which is open for applications from 1 June 2024 to 31 December 2027.

The Strategic Development Scheme encourages airlines to operate routes aligned with AAHK’s strategy. Any passenger and cargo airlines that launch new routes and/or increases frequencies to AAHK’s targeted regions or countries will be granted financial incentives for three years.

In addition, to encourage airlines to utilise the HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park (HKIALP) for air cargo operation, the same offer will also be applicable to any incremental cargo flights provided that all cargoes on board are accepted at HKIALP in Dongguan.

In addition, AAHK has been sponsoring airlines on their promotional activities for launching new routes at HKIA.

Airport

Western Sydney Airport Welcomes Its First Plane After 6 Years of construction

In a historic milestone for Australia’s aviation sector, the first plane has officially taken off and landed at Western Sydney Airport after six years of construction, much to the delight of a small but enthusiastic group of dedicated planespotters.

A test pilot made the inaugural landing using a Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche, successfully completing a series of take-off and landing runs on the newly built tarmac. This crucial test paves the way for larger passenger aircraft, which are expected to start using the runway in two years.

Virgin Atlantic Introduces Sign Language Crew Booking for Inclusive Flights

The Piper PA-30 was employed to assess the airport’s approximately 3,000 Aeronautical Ground Lights (AGLs) by executing operations in various conditions, including daylight, dusk, and evening. This testing ensures that the lighting system is fit for purpose and ready to welcome aircraft when the airport opens to commercial flights in late 2026.

The pilot also highlighted that the rapid exit taxiways have been designed at a 45-degree angle, allowing for quicker transitions on and off the runway. Once operational, the airport will feature a single runway capable of handling up to 10 million passengers annually right from day one.

Qatar Airways Launches new Flights From Doha To Toronto

As the construction phase nears completion, the airport’s main terminal, apron, and supporting infrastructure will be ready to accommodate around 81,000 flights each year. This milestone marks a significant moment for Western Sydney Airport, the first new airport to open in Australia since Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport more than two decades ago.

Major airlines, including Qantas and Jetstar, have already committed to operating from the 24/7 facility, signaling strong support for this new hub. By 2033, the airport aims to handle up to 10 million passengers and facilitate extensive air traffic movements annually.