HK Express has expressed its support for Hong Kong International Airport’s third runway but it has stated that the proposal to incorporate departure fees into airfares to “pre-pay” for the runway construction is unfair.
Andrew Cohen, CEO of HK Express, said: “With the introduction of yet another government levy, most people will be paying more in taxes and fees than they will for their airfare. Drivers don’t pay to use a cross-harbour tunnel until it is actually built – aviation should be no different.”
“As a monopoly operator, the Hong Kong Airport Authority (HKAA) is already a hugely profitable organisation with over a 50 per cent profit margin. This existing profit can be used to finance the capital expenditure instead of imposing even more fees on the public,” Cohen said.
HK Express believes that the construction should be funded by HKAA.