New Chek Lap Kok Airport Postpones Opening

<B> New Chek Lap Kok Airport Postpones Opening</B>

By Judy Jacobs

The opening of Hong Kong's new Chek Lap Kok International Airport, scheduled for next month, has been delayed until July 6. This is the second delay of an opening that originally was scheduled for last summer during the changeover to Chinese rule. The reason for the delay, said local officials, is that the Airport Express Railway, which will transport passengers to Kowloon, will not be ready in time.

"The July 6 opening ensures that all components of the airport and supporting facilities will be fully operational from opening day," said Hong Kong Tourist Association deputy executive director Kent Hayden Sadler. "The travel industry has long advocated having all transport arrangements in place before the opening of the airport, so as to present the best possible services to visitors."

Chek Lap Kok replaces the aging Kai Tak Airport and will operate 24 hours per day, unlike the current facility, which has a nighttime curfew. In the first stage of development, Chek Lap Kok will have one runway and be able to handle nearly 40 aircraft operations per hour and up to 35 million passengers per year. The terminal initially will have 38 aircraft gates and three main levels, with one each for departures and arrivals. An automatic train will run the length of the concourse, transporting passengers to and from aircraft gates. A railway and road system will carry passengers to and from Kowloon and points beyond, and Regal Hotels will operate a 600-room airport property.