A plane of SF Airlines Co, Ltd takes off at Bao'an International Airport in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong province, Sept 10, 2020. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

Shenzhen Baoan International Airport has launched a benefits package targeted at Hong Kong travelers and increased the number of cross-border buses to and from Hong Kong, in a bid to attract more Hong Kong residents to choose Shenzhen as their departure point to other mainland cities.

According to the airport, until the end of September, Hong Kong travelers who take designated cross-border buses and ferries to Terminal 3 or Ferry Terminal of the Shenzhen Baoan International Airport are eligible to enjoy a benefits package, which includes vouchers for dining and hotel discounts. 

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Those who purchase air tickets through the LY.com travel platform can enjoy discounts on Shenzhen departures by presenting their Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao Residents, or Home Return Permits.

Shenzhen Baoan International Airport has also introduced self-service options such as self-check-in, self-baggage-drop, and self-security verification for Home Return Permit holders. The airport has increased announcements in Cantonese and has provided Cantonese training to staff to ensure more personalized services for Hong Kong travelers.

In addition, the airport now operates two water routes to and from Hong Kong, with a total of 14 round trips per day. Traveling through the China Ferry Terminal route to downtown Hong Kong is more efficient than taking a bus

The frequency of cross-border buses between Shenzhen airport and the Hong Kong SAR has been increased by 50 trips to 170 per day, covering more than 30 destinations in Hong Kong Island, the New Territories, and Kowloon. During peak hours, buses depart Shenzhen’s airport every 20 minutes, with a travel time of about 90 to 150 minutes.

The four city terminals at Elements in West Kowloon, Yau Tong, Hong Kong-Macao Ferry Terminal, and Hong Kong International Airport have resumed operation, offering exclusive rest areas, check-in services, ticketing services, and transportation options for Hong Kong residents traveling to Shenzhen Baoan International Airport on cross-border buses.

In addition, the airport now operates two water routes to and from Hong Kong, with a total of 14 round trips per day. Traveling through the China Ferry Terminal route to downtown Hong Kong is more efficient than taking a bus, the airport said.

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In line with the implementation of the Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles policy, all four parking lots at the Shenzhen Baoan International Airport are now equipped with license plate recognition systems that can identify vehicles from Hong Kong, allowing drivers from Hong Kong to enjoy the same efficient and convenient parking services as mainland drivers do.

Also, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong helicopter route has resumed, with a one-way flight time of around 15 minutes between the two cities’ airports.

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During the summer travel season, Shenzhen’s airport has opened or increased the frequency of nearly 20 domestic and international routes, including popular tourism destinations such as Linzhi in Tibet, and Hailar and Baotou in Inner Mongolia. 

The airport provides daily flights to nearly 130 domestic cities, including more than 100 round trips to Beijing and Shanghai, as well as close to or over 50 round trips to major cities such as Chengdu, Hangzhou and Chongqing.

Contact the writer at irisli@chinadailyhk.com