Flights from Hongkong to Shanghai will now be able to land at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport.
The new arrangement, announced by aviation authorities on both sides, allows the operation of 28 regular weekly round-trip services, from October between the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and the downtown Puxi-located hub. These will complement the existing 28 daily round-trip flights between HKIA and Pudong International Airport.
Tony Tyler, Cathay Pacific chief executive, said: “As Hongkong’s home carrier, we are committed to linking mainland China to the world, and we applaud the Government’s efforts to further enhancing air services between Hongong and the mainland of China.” The airline conducts three daily services between Hongkong and Pudong Airport.
James Tong, Dragonair chief executive officers, said: “Shanghai is a major destination for Dragonair. By opening Hongqiao Airport for scheduled services, travellers will benefit from its more convenient location due to the airport’s proximity to downtown Shanghai. “Hongqiao has direct links to the high-speed railway and other land transport which help facilitate travel between the airport and the nearby Yangtze River Delta area.”
Shanghai's former primary international gateway, Hongqiao Airport, lost its lustre when Pudong International Airport opened in 1999. Then, it functioned mainly as a domestic airport. A recent US$2.24 billion expansion (see news) has given it a new lease on life, allowing it to expand into a bigger transport hub and offer new facilities such as a private jet terminal and connections to high-speed trains.
For more visit www.hongkongairport.com and www.shanghaiairport.com
Margie T Logarta
