Hong Kong is set to host the major global aviation convention Routes World 2025 for the first time next Wednesday (Sep 24), aiming to attract more long-haul routes to strengthen its position as one of Asia's busiest aviation hubs.
The three-day event at AsiaWorld-Expo has attracted over 2,500 participants from more than 115 countries to sign up, including senior management personnel from 250 airlines, approximately 700 airport representatives, and 10 consular officers.
The global aviation sector's focus on Hong Kong diminished after the pandemic, said Ray Li Ho-fung, General Manager of Hub Development at the Airport Authority Hong Kong.
In an interview with Sing Tao Daily -- the sister publication of The Standard -- Li expressed hope that the event will showcase the Hong Kong International airport's latest developments, including the three-runway system, the Airport City project, its connectivity with the Greater Bay Area, air cargo operations, and Hong Kong's route network.
"The pandemic significantly impacted the airport's long-haul passenger traffic and route network," Li said. "Passenger numbers have only reached 80 percent of pre-pandemic levels, while the number of destinations recovered to about 75 percent of the previous figures."
He encouraged airline representatives to introduce long-haul flights to Hong Kong, highlighting that the airport's hourly handling capacity will be increased from 68 to a maximum of 102 flights following the three-runway system coming into operation since November and the initial phase of operations at Terminal 2 in late September.
Approximately 9,000 meetings are expected to take place during the 3-day convention, with a variety of activities scheduled throughout the week, including 10 organized tours for aviation industry representatives to explore Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.
Participating countries and regions will also set up booths at the venue to showcase their advantages to major airlines, facilitating discussions on increasing flight frequencies or establishing new routes.
Additionally, Li emphasized the government and Airport Authority's role in coordinating with various governments to support airline companies in launching long-haul routes and destinations to Hong Kong.
He mentioned that the frequency of flights from Hong Kong to Sydney was increased with two new destinations, including Perth and Brisbane, introduced in October last year, following a bilateral agreement with the Australian government.
The SAR government also reached a bilateral agreement with the Turkish government last year, increasing the frequency of flights from Hong Kong to Istanbul from six to 10 per week.
Li noted that Hong Kong would also strive for new routes to Belt and Road countries and emerging markets such as Southeast Asia.
