The current 10% reduction in landing and parking charges at Hong Kong International Airport will be extended three months to March 31.

The Airport Authority said the extension will help airlines in their economic recovery, offering savings of up to $56 million.

The discount, originally due to expire at the end of 2009, is part of a $450 million relief package launched in April to help aviation firms adversely affected by the global economic downturn.

The package also offers interest-free payment deferral for premises rented at the airport for up to one year until the end of March.