Keep uncluttered look at superb airport
I refer to the article which appeared in the airport fourth anniversary special supplement (South China Morning Post, July 5), headlined 'Flying high'.
It seems the development plans for our superb airport are to include a doubling of retail space, and 'nice furnishings like in your living room', according to commercial director for the Airport Authority Hans Bakker. The rather odd expression 'architecturally intimidating' is also used to describe an absolutely fabulous terminal building.
As a frequent user of the airport, I am extremely supportive of improvements to facilities. However, I am not sure about 'living room' furnishings. One of the delights of the airport is that, just like Singapore airport and unlike most of Hong Kong, there is some space.
I have, however, already noticed the arrival area (after baggage reclaim) getting crowded at peak times and it can be a battle to push your trolley through the crowds of people meeting flights. The week before last, arriving from Tokyo, it was so crowded I had a Kai Tak flashback.
I appeal to the Airport Authority not to spoil our airport by squeezing in too much.
The authority makes a lot of money from letting out retail space and I understand the commercial pressures. Just let us remember it is primarily an airport not a shopping mall. We already have enough of those.
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