Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has introduced a new programme to provide incentives for airlines to open more routes and increase the frequency of flights connecting to Hong Kong, further strengthening the position of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) as an international aviation hub.

In a statement, AAHK said following the Early Bird Guaranteed Landing Charge Rebate Scheme, which ended in March this year, it launched the new Airport Network Development Programme (the Programme) in June after consultation with local and foreign airlines' representatives.

The Programme includes two schemes: the New Route Scheme and the Strategic Development Scheme.

AAHK said under the New Route Scheme, all passenger and cargo airlines that launch new destinations connecting to HKIA with a defined continuity will be eligible to receive financial incentives for two years.

Both airlines now operating at HKIA and airlines that are new to HKIA are eligible to receive incentives from the Programme, which is open for applications from June 1, 2024, to December 31, 2027.

The Strategic Development Scheme, meanwhile, encourages airlines to operate routes aligned with AAHK's strategy.

"Any passenger and cargo airlines that launch new routes and/or increases frequencies to AAHK's targeted regions or countries will be granted financial incentives for three years," the announcement said.

In addition, to encourage airlines to utilise the HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park (HKIALP) for air cargo operation, the same offer will also be applicable to any incremental cargo flights provided that all cargoes on board are accepted at HKIALP in Dongguan.

"Air network connectivity is pivotal to an international aviation hub like HKIA. While we are confident in HKIA's development in the long term, the new Programme serves to encourage home-based and foreign airlines to bring forward their launch of new routes and/or increase in frequency of flights connecting to HKIA," said Vivian Cheung, acting chief executive officer of AAHK.

She noted that the program has already received positive responses from airlines since its launch last month.

"AAHK will continue to engage with existing local and foreign airlines at HKIA and is outreaching to other airlines about the Programme," Cheung added.

In addition, she noted that AAHK has been sponsoring airlines in their promotional activities for launching new routes at HKIA.