When attending the event on Thursday (26th), AA Chief Executive Officer Lam Tin Fook mentioned the idea of developing Hong Kong Airport into a space city.
He pointed out that although the aviation industry is at a low point due to the impact of the epidemic, the cargo volume has still increased in the past few years. It is expected that the aviation industry will have greater development opportunities after the world gradually returns to normal. Therefore, the Aerospace City has huge potential.
As Lin Tianfu mentioned, Aerospace City is not a new concept.
At least in the 2018 policy address, the government mentioned inviting the AA to submit a proposal on the artificial island of the airport, the airport three-run system, the Aerospace City development project, and the Asia-Expo which had just been acquired by the AA with a private interest. "Airport City" development plan.
Since then, "Airport City" has also appeared in the annual policy address.
The epidemic has undoubtedly brought unexpected obstacles to the airport development plan, but even without taking into account the epidemic, the plan would have faced many challenges.
A Cathay Pacific flight prepares to land in Hong Kong on April 14, 2022.
(Photo by Liao Yanxiong)
The traditional shopping mall development model and the duplication of functions in Tung Chung
The concept of an "airport city" sounds appealing, but it's not easy to execute.
At present, the "SKYCITY Aerospace City" plan which is vigorously developed by the Airport Authority in the airport north business district, except for the Asia Expo and some other conference facilities with exhibition and conference functions, the main body is still the traditional shopping mall development model.
The central project 11 SKIES, which will be opened in July this year, is positioned as a "one-stop retail, dining, entertainment and commercial district" and is operated by New World Development. It is essentially close to a large-scale integrated shopping mall such as APM or Megabox.
However, there is a similar large commercial district in Tung Chung not far from the airport, and its functions may overlap with the new Aerospace City.
Therefore, it is not enough to build a one-stop shopping mall at the airport. What is needed near the airport is not just an alternative real estate project.
When developing the Sky City, more specific consideration should be given to the coordination with the development of the adjacent areas in Tung Chung, rather than just treating it as an independent project.
The development of the Aerospace City should not rely solely on the AA
This also reflects that there are many factors that need to be considered in order to develop an "airport city" perfectly.
At present, the Government relies heavily on the AA's suggestions for the development of airport cities, but after all, the AA only considers the airport itself, and not all other factors can be considered thoroughly.
For example, the zoning with Tung Chung mentioned above is not within the jurisdiction of the AA.
In addition, whether the development of an airport city can add some elements to complement the overall development of Hong Kong, or whether there is a clear division of labor with other airports in the Greater Bay Area in the Mainland, is not within the scope of the AA.
For example, whether it is possible to consider adding high value-added industries such as aircraft parts and maintenance within the city limits of the airport to cooperate with the development of the entire business district.
To introduce more landmarks and attractions outside of shopping malls, more cooperation from other government departments is required.
Therefore, if the airport city is to have a better development, the government must be more involved, rather than relying on the AA to plan.
The shipping industry has rebounded from the bottom. The airports in the Greater Bay Area need to cooperate with foreign countries to prevent imports. The goal is not to stop flights. The government should discuss tightening quarantine arrangements with airlines.