Higher landing fees seen as threat to hub status
The Airport Authority will have to keep landing and parking charges at Chek Lap Kok in line with regional rivals after it is listed on the stock exchange or Hong Kong will lose its status as a premier hub, the government was warned yesterday.
Legislators yesterday met with a panel of government officials, led by Secretary for Economic Development and Labour Stephen Ip Shu-kwan, to discuss the launch of a public consultation paper on the airport's privatisation.
It includes a proposal to raise airline charges at Chek Lap Kok to boost profitability and ensure a better return for investors.
'Airlines are now opposed to the privatisation plan,' said Howard Young, a legislator for the tourism sector who also serves as Cathay Pacific Airways' general manager for government affairs.
'They haven't said much on the topic until now, but I think you will find increasing opposition.'
Other legislators said discussion would need to focus on how the airport would be regulated as a monopoly supplier.
Officials said the privatisation of the airport operator would lead to greater transparency and regulatory oversight, as well as help to ensure that Hong Kong remained a competitive aviation hub.
'We're not saying we have to raise charges ... we're consulting the public over that,' Mr Ip said.
