Hong Kong International Airport's new passenger terminal, Terminal 2 or T2, will begin opening in phases next month.

In February, 130 retail and catering outlets in SkyPlaza and four entertainment zones will start opening in the 140,000-square-metre terminal.

A 36-bay coach station will debut next, while 56 airline check-in counters and customs and immigration facilities will open afterwards.

Aviation hub: Located next to the existing Terminal 1, T2 brings a range of exciting new facilities and services to the airport's rapidly expanding customer base.

T2 is the centrepiece of the airport's larger SkyCity development  which will enable Hong Kong to provide local and overseas passengers with a dynamic and memorable airport experience.

Airport Authority Commercial Director Hans Bakker said the authority has invested $2.8 billion in T2, an automated people mover connecting T1 and T2, and two office buildings, including Hong Kong International Airport Tower, which will be the new Airport Authority headquarters.

This investment will allow the airport to better meet passenger demand and strengthen its role as a regional and international transportation hub, he added.

In addition to T2, other projects under the SkyCity development include the SkyCity Nine Eagles Golf Course; a permanent cross-boundary ferry terminal called SkyPier; and a second airport hotel, the Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel.