CATHAY Pacific managing director Rod Eddington yesterday questioned the Provisional Airport Authority's (PAA) ability to complete Hong Kong's new airport at Chek Lap Kok before the transfer of sovereignty in June 1997.
However, he doubted that there would be any substantial delay.
Political rows between Hong Kong, Britain and China over the financing of the project have hampered the PAA's ability to do its job.
Mr Eddington, speaking at an Indian Chamber of Commerce lunch, said it would be more realistic to expect the new airport to open at the end of 1997 or in early 1998.
He was confident that Britain and China would be able to agree on the financing of the giant development before the end of this year, allowing the construction of the terminal, runway and ancillary buildings to begin.
''I am confident that the new airport development will get the go-ahead sooner rather than later and there won't be any substantial delays,'' he said.