Airport City - SKYTOPIA: a new destination for visitors in Hong Kong

The Airport City, also known as SKYTOPIA, is set to become a major travel landmark, attracting layover visitors to stay in Hong Kong, according to Fred Lam Tin-fuk, Chairman of the Airport Authority.

Lam also said that the use of driverless vehicles in airport-restricted areas is well-established, positioning Hong Kong as a global leader in this technology, with regions like Singapore looking to the city for insights. 

In the recently unveiled development blueprint, the Airport City aims to integrate commercial activities, popular culture, art trading, entertainment, and leisure, with a substantial budget of HK$100 billion dedicated to leveraging land and marine resources near the international airport.

During a radio program on Sunday, Lam said that this long-planned project is designed to transform the region into a travel hub, drawing more visitors and encouraging longer stays, ultimately boosting the local economy.

He highlighted the potential of the Airport Bay Marina, which could become the city’s largest yacht bay, offering over 500 berths and targeting affluent, yacht-friendly travelers from the Greater Bay Area and Asia.
Importantly, Lam said that the development of Airport City must be executed without disrupting airport traffic. 

The authority plans to introduce a driverless transportation system connecting the Hong Kong Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, Tung Chung Station, and Airport City. 

The segment from Hong Kong Port to Airport City is expected to be completed by the end of this year or early next year, with an extension to Tung Chung Station anticipated by 2028.

Addressing labor challenges, Lam said that certain aviation-related jobs, such as those involving vehicle operation on the tarmac, struggle to attract young talent. 

He proposed that technology and artificial intelligence could provide viable alternatives.
Lam added that as frontline positions decrease, there may be an increase in roles for controllers and other technical positions that offer higher skill requirements and better compensation.

Speaking of the Jet Fresh Market in the blueprint, he stated it could surpass Japan’s Tsukiji Outer Market, as the future fresh market in Hong Kong will not only feature fresh excellent seafood but also offer a variety of fruits and fresh meat.

(Cheng Wong)