The SkyPier and North Satellite Concourse at Hong Kong International Airport were officially launched today.

Travellers using the pier are not required to go through immigration and customs formalities at the airport.

Passengers en route for overseas destinations via the pier are also exempt from paying the $120 departure tax. The provision of upstream check-in services at major SkyPier ports allows passengers to obtain boarding passes and check-in luggage in the Pearl River Delta.

The 20,000 square metre North Satellite Concourse with 10 extra bridge-served parking stands is built to serve the rising number of narrow-bodied aircraft using the airport.

Both facilities were soft-opened in December. Today's opening ceremony was officiated by Chief Executive Donald Tsang and Airport Authority Chairman Marvin Cheung.