The Hong Kong Airport Authority wants to impose a new charge on airlines in a move that it says will promote more efficient use of aircraft parking facilities and help to increase air traffic.
The new scheme also seeks to encourage low-cost carriers by replacing a one-hour minimum parking charge and prolonging the period in which flights operating to new destinations can get landing charge rebates.
The proposals, which are subject to public consultations and government approval, would come into force on January 1, according to a document filed to the Legislative Council yesterday.
'All in all, there is a net increase of charges under the proposed scheme,' said a senior executive from one of Hong Kong's smaller airlines.
Under the proposals, airlines would pay HK$500 per parking unit for using an air bridge, at present included in a universal landing charge, while a one-hour minimum parking fee will be dropped in favour of charges based only on 15-minute intervals.
Airlines that choose to use remote stands rather than air bridges will be charged HK$800 per trip to use the shuttle bus, as is the case at present, the executive said.