Hong Kong airport’s HK$141.5 billion 3-runway system set for lift-off

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Hong Kong International Airport’s long-awaited HK$141.5 billion (US$18 billion) three-runway system finally takes off on Thursday with hundreds of guests set to witness the historic moment.

At a 45-minute officiating ceremony starting at 3pm, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and Hong Kong Airport Authority chairman Fred Lam Tin-fuk will deliver keynote speeches on the debut of the project, which has been hailed as a “game-changer” for the city to enhance its status as an international aviation hub.

Hong Kong International Airport launches third runway

The highlight will be aircraft taking off or landing on the three runways at the same time. The flights also come with social purposes including treating students to a journey within Hong Kong air space.

The megaproject carries high expectations, with state leaders urging local authorities to turn the city into a world-class international aviation hub – a vision spelled out in Beijing’s latest five-year national plan.

Follow our live updates on the project’s opening.

See more from our coverage:

- Hong Kong’s new 3-runway airport opens today: what you need to know

- ‘Sense of crisis’ fuels Hong Kong airport’s bid to be competitive ‘landmark’

- Thousands take on once-in-a-lifetime 10k race along Hong Kong’s newest runway

- Hong Kong airport boosts efforts to lure foreign airlines as it waits on Cathay