OREANDA-NEWS. May 28, 2012. Dragonair today welcomed the move by Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) to submit the project profile for the expansion of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) into a three-runway system. The submission, which includes the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study, marks an important step in the airport development project in compliance with statutory requirements.

Dragonair Chief Executive Officer Patrick Yeung said: "Dragonair strongly believes that the third runway is essential to boost the capacity of our home airport and help Hong Kong maintain its status as one of the world's leading aviation hubs. The EIA study is a crucial element in planning for a third runway and we fully support the sustainable development of the airport.

"Environmental issues have always been a major consideration during the development of HKIA. Dragonair appreciates the effort made by the Airport Authority to set up special focus groups and community liaison groups that will enable it to gauge public opinion from the outset."

Mr Yeung added: "Studies and assessments will be conducted to examine the impact of the third runway project on air and water quality, noise levels, marine ecology, landscape and heritage. We are looking forward to a balanced discussion that takes into account socio-economic benefits as well as environmental protection matters."

Dragonair, an affiliate member of oneworld, is a Hong Kong-based airline operating a fleet of 35 passenger aircraft and serving 37 regional destinations, including 19 cities in Mainland China. Dragonair has been recognised for its product and service quality, and was voted for two consecutive years "World's Best Regional Airline" in the annual World Airline Survey run by Skytrax in 2010 and 2011. Dragonair is part of the Cathay Pacific Group, providing seamless connectivity for passengers to more than 160 cities around the globe.