Airspace Asia Pacific Today talks to Victor Liu, Director General of the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department about the three-runway system at Hong Kong and its impact on air traffic management
How is the three-runway system performing in Hong Kong?
The Three-Runway System (3RS) at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) became fully operational on 28 November 2024. Since then, all three runways have been running efficiently.
The 3RS allows HKIA to progressively handle up to 102 flight movements per hour, a 50% increase from the previous two-runway capacity of 68 movements. This expanded capacity boosts the airport’s cargo throughput, the tourism industry and economic growth, reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a key international aviation hub and supporting the “Air Silk Road” initiative.
What difference has it made to air traffic management?
The 3RS has led to significant advancements in air traffic management (ATM) by enhancing passenger and cargo capacities and supporting the Airport City vision of HKIA. The expansion has allowed the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) to implement new air navigation facilities and procedures, which streamline the operations of both airport users and air traffic control.
Additionally, effective flight calibration and comprehensive training for air traffic control personnel have been pivotal. These advancements enable controllers to manage a higher volume of air traffic with greater safety and efficiency, resulting in smoother air traffic flows and reduced delays.
The 3RS has strengthened CAD’s operational capabilities and positioned it to better meet future aviation demands.
Can you tell us more about the new air traffic control tower?
The New Air Traffic Control Tower (NAT) addresses the limitations of the previous tower, which had obstructed views due to new hangars and terminals. Located next to the Terminal 2 Concourse, the NAT provides air traffic controllers with unobstructed views to monitor aircraft and vehicle movements, ensuring compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, the NAT features a split-floor design with 19 controller positions and essential operational areas, such as the Tower Fault Reporting Centre and the Airport Meteorological Office. To prepare for the 3RS significant upgrades were made to existing air navigation services, including the integration of an Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System, Digital Tower Facility, Surface Movement Radar, and new Instrument Landing Systems for enhanced ground and runway management.
What lessons have been learned about managing large projects like the three-runway system?
The 3RS project has provided several valuable lessons in managing large-scale infrastructure initiatives. The key takeaways include:
- Collaboration is essential: Successful management of the 3RS relied on cooperation among stakeholders, including the CAD, airport authority, government departments, airlines and ground handlers. Effective teamwork helped synchronise and manage various tasks.
- Thorough planning: Detailed planning and validation of flight procedures, along with extensive staff training, were critical to identify potential issues early and ensure smooth implementation.
- Communication is key: Close communication with stakeholders fostered transparency and adaptability, allowing for timely responses to challenges and aligning project goals and objectives.
- Robust review processes: Comprehensive evaluations and inspections led to the issue of the Aerodrome License, which ensured compliance with operational standards, enhancing safety and efficiency.
- Change and safety management: Robust briefings provided to all relevant stakeholders ensured a smooth and safe transition.
These lessons emphasise that dedicated teamwork and effective communication are vital for the successful management of large infrastructure projects like the 3RS.
How important is digitalisation to future operations?
Digitalisation is essential for the future operations of air navigation service providers (ANSP). With the expanded capacity from the 3RS, it enhances capabilities to manage future traffic growth through several key benefits:
- Enhanced Safety and Situational Awareness: The CAD has introduced advanced technologies such as Digital Tower Facilities (DTF) and an Approach Spacing Management Tool. The DTF combines real-time operational data like callsign and aircraft type with artificial intelligence (AI) to provide controllers with augmented views of airfield movements, improving safety and reducing possible human errors. The Approach Spacing Management Tool ensures consistent arrival spacing by analysing real-time wind conditions and aircraft information, guiding controllers through graphical chevrons on radar displays.
- Regional Collaboration and Environmental Sustainability: The CAD actively collaborates with ANSPs across the Asia Pacific region (APAC) to harmonise Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM). This includes the Distributed Multi-nodal ATFM network, developed with Singapore, Thailand, and the Chinese Mainland, which uses the Ground Delay Programme and Airspace Flow Programme to regulate traffic flow efficiently, balancing demand and capacity. This reduces fuel consumption and environmental impact through reduced CO² emissions.
What more can be done to improve collaboration between airports and air navigation service providers?
To enhance collaboration between airports and ANSPs, strengthening ties is key, especially as aircraft movements are projected to grow three per cent annually over the next 30 years. One key area for improvement is the integration of Airport-Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) and ATFM.
By enhancing operational procedures and information exchange between A-CDM and ATFM, both systems can work synergistically. ATFM optimises airspace utilisation while A-CDM improves airport capacity. Together, they provide stakeholders with better situational awareness and predictability in operations. This collaboration has been successfully implemented in Europe with many A-CDM airports integrated with their regional ATFM systems.
Although efforts have already begun in Asia Pacific, ongoing initiatives include a high-level review by the APAC ANSP Committee and the establishment of a dedicated group by the ICAO ATFM Steering Group to develop new operational concepts. These steps can further enhance regional ATFM and streamline airport operations.