With two joint ventures with Zhuhai and Hangzhou airports soon to be in operation, cooperation between Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and the mainland airports is being tightened.

The HKIA has "pretty much" finalized the Zhuhai Airport project, Hong Kong Airport Authority's Chief Executive Officer David J Pang said Monday while attending the Fifth Airport Cities World Conference and Exhibition (ACWCE) at the AsiaWorld-Expo.

"We have got all the approvals from all governments, both the central government and the local government. And we do have the license also," Pang said, adding that they plan to start managing Zhuhai Airport in a few months despite of much preparation work ahead.

He said the Hangzhou project is also close to the final stage. It has just got the approval from the State Development and Reform Commission and the next step is to get a license from the State Administration of Commerce.

"I'm optimistic about the cooperation with the mainland airports. It will be good for Hong Kong, Zhuhai, Hangzhou and also all the Chinese mainland cities," Pang said.

The Zhuhai project is much of the very first step into establishing an integrated airport system within the Pearl River Delta Region. "Over the past six years, we have discussed possible cooperation with all the airports in this region," Pang said, hoping the proposed system could improve communication and management between Hong Kong and the mainland airports.

The mainland airports have also attached great importance to the ties with HKIA. Of the 40 airports worldwide, airlines, government bodies and aviation-related organizations attending the ACWCE, 17 were from the Chinese mainland, including Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.

The Airport Administration Institution, which is affiliated to the Hong Kong Airport Authority, is always ready to provide training services for staff from mainland airports. Beijing Capital International Airport, which is particularly interested in the effective administration of HKIA, has sent groups of management to the institute for training courses over the past years.

Confronted with the potential competition from the mainland airports, Pang admitted that HKIA needs more capacity and should continue to expand facilities.

Six years ago, HKIA embarked on the journey to build its airport city, or SkyCity as they call it. HKIA's SkyCity is consisted of a series of landmark projects. According to Commercial Director of Hong Kong Airport Authority, Hans Bakker, while HKIA Tower is scheduled to open by the end of 2006, Terminal Two, a new passenger terminal housing the shopping, dining and entertainment mecca, SkyPlaza, will have its opening before this year's Christmas. In addition, SkyCity Nine Eagles Golf Course and the Airport World Trade Center are targeted to open next year. And the permanent Skycity Marriott Hotel, are scheduled to open in 2008. AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong's largest exhibition venue, has already started its operation last year.

"HKIA is not afraid of competition because it has its competitive edge. We will continue to provide most competitive product for our customers, helping them make more money in shorter time," Pang said.

(Xinhua News Agency September 12, 2006)