Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) expanded its network in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area with the launch of its first premium city terminal on Wednesday in Shenzhen's Qianhai JEN Hotel, marking a milestone in cross-border transport integration.
The terminal, equipped with self-service check-in, flight information and cross-border limousine transfers, targets high-end business and frequent travelers.
The 40-60 minute ride from the terminal to HKIA allows border clearance without disembarking, with a one-way ticket priced at HK$180 ($23).
"The terminal launch is not just a key addition to our Greater Bay Area terminal network, but also a bold experiment in premium service model," said Vivian Cheung Kar-fay, CEO of the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK).
"It is expected to enhance comfort and efficiency for high-end business travelers and frequent flyers while deepening Shenzhen-Hong Kong collaboration in multi-modal transport and travel facilitation."
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Enhanced services are set to be rolled out at the terminal gradually, including advance baggage check-in, allowing passengers to complete boarding procedures and drop off luggage locally, significantly reducing airport processing time.
Starting October, travelers using the terminal to reach HKIA via cross-border transport will also qualify for a HK$200 departure tax refund, cutting travel costs.
As one of the world's busiest international aviation hubs, HKIA hosts over 140 airlines with flight services covering over 220 global destinations.
Chapman Fong, director of hub development at the AAHK, said HKIA has maintained close ties with Shenzhen Bao’an Airport, including a dedicated service counter at HKIA and ferry services via Fuyong Pier.
He noted that strong demand from business travelers in Qianhaiwill further support and enhance HKIA’s service network, and the premium model could be replicated in other parts of Shenzhen and other cities as well.
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“We will continue to explore deeper collaboration opportunities with other Chinese mainland airports.”
Chen Yang contributed to this story.