Under control: Financial Secretary Henry Tang tours Hong Kong airport's air-traffic control tower.

Ten more cargo stands will be built at the airport this year, bringing the total to 34, and allowing it to handle 1.5 million tonnes of cargo a year.

Touring the airport today, Financial Secretary Henry Tang said a new airport cargo terminal will be ready in 2011, further increasing capacity. The Airport Authority also plans to enhance facilities at the passenger terminals by 2010.

On co-operation with Macau and Guangdong, Mr Tang said ways to expand the region's freight movement are being explored, adding that discussion on a new route between Hong Kong and eastern China is underway.

Further expansion

Noting the Civil Aviation Department will upgrade its air traffic management system by 2012 to cater for future development, Mr Tang said other options to boost air traffic flow will be considered, including the construction of a third runway.

Airpot Authority Acting Chief Executive Officer Raymond Lai welcomed the Government's plan to raise the airport's runway capacity from 54 aircraft movements an hour to 58 by 2009.

The upgrade will enable the airport to better cope with the expected growth in demand for air traffic, strengthening its position as a major hub.