The video of the opening of the new runway has been released by the airport’s social media ( Source: Instagram @hongkongairport)
After 6 years of preparation, Hong Kong International Airport commences the trial run for the new runway today (8 July) for airlines and airport parties to familiarise the operational procedures and handling arrangements. Government Flying services has dispatched its Bombardier Challenger 605 for the circuit and became the first aircraft landing on the new Runway 07L.
The runway is identical to the other two runways, with a length of 3800 metres with segregated operations and will generally serve for arrival flights supplemented with the south runway, RWY 07R/25L for departure and specifically nominated arrivals to land on the south runway to prevent delays such as business jets/ cargo flights. Test flights and flight checks for the New runway were conducted in April for lighting systems, navigation aids, and calibration for instrument landing systems by the Civil Aviation Administration of China. After conducting operation audits and inspections, the airport authority received its updated Airport Operator Certificate from the Civil Aviation Department ( CAD) on 31 May. Another milestone for the new runway is up to par with local and international regulatory requirements.
Aircraft accident exercises and mass security inspections have also been conducted to provide the Airport Authority and the airport community with the emergency procedures in case of responding on the new runway. According to the Aeronautical information publication (AIP), the airport is certified as category 10. The highest category capable of conducting rescue operations and removing disabled aircraft over 76m covers most of the aircraft in civil aviation.
After the trial run starts, the centre runway will be closed for the next phase of the construction project, including the new Terminal, passenger rapid transit system, baggage sortation system, etc. The entire project is expected to be completed in 2024. Upon the completion of the project, extra 30 million passengers can be served, and the capacity of 100 million passengers and 9 million tonnes of cargo annually could be achieved by 2030 according to the airport master plan.
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