'New runway boosts HK's aviation hub status'
The Airport Authority said on Friday that around 140 flights a day use the new third runway at the airport in November.  It said some 11,000 flights have used it since operations began in early July, adding that other related works such as the expansion of Terminal 2 and the construction of a new concourse are expected to be completed by 2024.  Speaking at the runway's launching ceremony, the authority's chairman, Jack So, said he hopes the project will be completed on time and within the budget of HK$145 billion, which was wholly raised through the issuance of bonds. Chief Secretary Eric Chan, who also attended the ceremony, said the new runway will greatly enhance the airport's capacity. "Together with Hong Kong's distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, the runway will allow us to fortify and boost the SAR's status as an international aviation hub," he said.