Airport charge scheme extended to January 1

Under the extended arrangement, the authority will continue to offer airlines a 75% rebate on landing charges for flights between Hong Kong and a new destination for the first six months after the route is launched.

The Scheme of Airport Charges proposed by the Airport Authority will be gazetted on October 7 and come into force on January 1.

The Transport & Housing Bureau said the scheme extends the existing New Destination Incentive Arrangement until December 31, 2012, to encourage airlines to continue to launch new routes. It also aligns parking charges for business aviation.

The existing arrangement will expire on December 31. Under the extended arrangement, the authority will continue to offer airlines a 75% rebate on landing charges for flights between Hong Kong and a new destination for the first six months after the route is launched, and a 25% rebate for the next six months.

The Board of Airline Representatives in Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre support the scheme.