The Hong Kong airport expected to handle 8.1 percent more passengers and 9.7 percent more cargo this year compared to 2004, an official said.

The airport expected to serve 40 million passengers in 2005, compared to the record 37 million last year, Airport Authority Chairman Victor Fung said in a speech Wednesday night.

Cargo traffic through the airport is forecast to reach 3.4 million metric tons, 9.7 percent more than the record 3.1 million metric tons handled last year.

“To achieve these objectives, we will continue to expand our services and facilities, while operating the airport along sound commercial principles,” Fung said.

Opened in 1998, Chek Lap Kok airport operates 4,000 flights a week, with a capacity to handle 45 million passengers a year. Hong Kong SAR Government owns the Airport Authority, but now plans to sell part of its interest. Executives have said a stock market listing is likely to happen in 2006.

Fung did not comment on the privatization process other than to say the Airport Authority would "continue to provide the government with our full support by continuously enhancing the value of our airport business."

(Shenzhen Daily February 25, 2005)