Hong Kong is further pushing its standing as a major aviation hub with a HK$400 million investment for the expansion of business aircraft facilities at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

In a statement, the Airport Authority said under the expansion project, the site area of the Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre (HKBAC) in its existing location will be expanded by half from 16,000m² to 24,500m².

The Executive Terminal of HKBAC will also be expanded four times to 4,800m² and a new building will be added to provide more customer facilities, including enhanced Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) facilities and a canopy for passengers at the apron.

Other existing facilities, including the passenger lounge, aircrew facilities and VIP lounge will also be enhanced. 

"To further enhance the competitiveness of Hong Kong as an international aviation hub and in support of Hong Kong’s continuous development as the region’s premier centre for international businesses, Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) is working with the HKBAC in the implementation of the latter’s HK$400 million expansion of business aircraft facilities at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA)," it said in a statement.

Jack So, chairman of the AA said the expansion project will help attract more businesses into the city — as he also cited its strategic location.

"HKBAC expansion plan will help further attract global businesses to set up regional headquarters and offices in Hong Kong, taking advantage of HKIA’s unique geographical location and connectivity that enables business executives to reach major Asian markets within five hours," he said.

Hong Kong is one of the most preferred base locations for business aircraft in the region — with HKBAC being voted the Best Asian Fixed-based Operator in Professional Pilot’s PRASE Survey for 14 consecutive years.

Upon completion of the expansion in 2025, the Airport Authority said the annual handling capacity of business aircraft flight movement at the HKBAC will be doubled.