(HONG KONG, 9 December 2011) – Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) today held a grand groundbreaking ceremony for the Midfield development. Phase 1 of the project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2015.

The Midfield area is the last piece of land on the airside for large-scale development on the airport island. It is located to the west of Terminal 1 and between the two existing runways. To maximise its usage, AAHK has worked closely with experts and stakeholders to enhance and finalise the design details of the project since the project was unveiled earlier this year. These include expanding the size of the Midfield Concourse and its adjacent apron area, as well as incorporating a wide range of green initiatives, such as installation of one of the largest arrays of rooftop solar panels in Hong Kong.

As a result, the phase 1 Midfield project now includes the construction of a five-level Midfield Concourse with total floor area of 78,000 sq m and over 35 green features; 20 aircraft parking stands; an Automated People Mover (APM) extending from Terminal 1; a cross-field taxiway; and other supporting facilities.

The works are expected to cost HK$9 billion and create 2,000 jobs during construction. When completed, the airport will have an additional handling capacity of 10 million passengers per annum.

Secretary for Transport and Housing Eva Cheng said, "Today we witness the kicking off of the construction works of the first phase of the midfield expansion development. With the completion of the expansion in 2015, we will be able to handle 10 million more passengers per year and provide more parking stands for both passengers and cargo operation. This is an important addition to the infrastructure inventory of the Hong Kong International Airport. Having regard to the increase in the air traffic demand, the midfield expansion project will be developed in phases to increase the airport's handling capacity to about 70 million  passengers and six million tonnes of cargo, which is expected to cope with air traffic demand by 2020."