Airport Authority Hong Kong is extending the contract with the UK’s NATS Services to support the ongoing secondment of Air Traffic Controllers.
The partnership, originally signed in 2018, will see NATS extend its commitment to provide controllers for Hong Kong International Airport until 2029.
According to NATS it is the ANSP at the world’s busiest single and dual runway airports, Gatwick and Heathrow and so understands the most demanding operational environments. It has successfully recruited experienced controllers from all over the world to support the growing Hong Kong operation.
Hong Kong International Airport’s (HKIA’s) three runway system (3RS) became operational last month, enabling a target of 102 flights per hour. Demand at the airport is forecast to grow up to 120 million passenger trips and 10 million tonnes of air cargo annually.
Chapman Fong, deputy director of corporate development at Airport Authority Hong Kong said: “Hong Kong International Airport has a longstanding reputation as one of the few airports in the world leading in both passenger and cargo service, with extensive intermodal connectivity with the Greater Bay Area including Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhuhai & Macau.
“With the three-runway operation at HKIA commencing on 28 November 2024, the capacity of HKIA will be significantly enhanced.”
Martin Rolfe, CEO of NATS said: “The fact that the Airport Authority has continued to put their faith in NATS is a testament to the incredibly strong relationship we’ve built and the results we’ve delivered so far. The scale of Hong Kong’s ambition and their embrace of technology is raising the bar for the industry and we are very proud to be playing a part in their ongoing success.”