CONSTRUCTION of the second runway at Chek Lap Kok airport could be brought forward to meet increased aircraft traffic demand, the Provisional Airport Authority (PAA) has revealed.
PAA project director Douglas Oakervee said the level of air transport had risen since the original airport masterplan was completed in 1990-91.
'Since then market forecasts have been revised and there may be a recommendation to bring on the second runway early,' Mr Oakervee said.
The PAA has faced mounting pressure recently from airlines and the aviation industry to accelerate construction of the second runway to eliminate many of the capacity problems which exist at Kai Tak.
Mr Oakervee said work on the second runway would take 36 months.
Consequently work will have to start next year if it is to meet the PAA's original 1998-99 target completion date.
The scheme will also have to be negotiated with China because it is outside the Memorandum of Understanding agreed between Britain and China in 1991.
