The Airport Authority achieved a record profit of $1.92 billion in fiscal year 2006-07, up 19% over a year earlier. It declared a final dividend of $1.6 billion to the Government, a 23% increase from fiscal 2005-06.

Revenue grew 9.4%, to $7.74 billion, driven by strong growth at Hong Kong International Airport, which served 45.1 million passengers, handled 3.6 million tonnes of cargo and saw 283,000 air traffic movements during the year. Return on equity rose to 5.6% from 4.9% in 2005-06.

While revenue increased 9.4%, operating expenses before depreciation rose 9.6%. As a result, operating profit before depreciation rose 9.2%, to a record $4.65 billion, while the operating profit margin remained consistent with the previous year at 60%.

Rapid growth in demand expected to continue

The authority's Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hui said the airport benefited from robust global trade and the Mainland's ongoing economic expansion.

"We expect continued rapid growth in demand for aviation services in Asia. To meet this demand, we are introducing new services and facilities and strengthening our links with the Pearl River Delta, which is a key source of both passengers and cargo. These initiatives leverage China's booming economy, increase HKIA's connectivity to the world and enable us to make the largest possible contribution to Hong Kong's success.