Hong Kong officials are hoping that the finger-pointing phase is finally over so they can turn their attention to boosting Chek Lap Kok airport as a gateway and hub.
Three inquiries produced reports over who to blame for the mayhem that marked the new airport's opening last July. The first report, issued by a government-appointed commission, blamed former airport authority executives. The Legislative Council's select committee mainly criticised government officials and the final report, by an independent ombudsman, blamed both. None concluded that Beijing had pushed too hard to open the airport on the first anniversary of Hong Kong's handover. Hong Kong airport chief executive Tung Chee-Hwa says the key aim is to put the dispute behind it.
The airport authority will not seek the recovery of payments to former executives singled out for criticism. However, it has decided not to renew the contract of its managing director and will terminate the contract of another senior official.
Turning to Chek Lap Kok's future, Hong Kong says it will not intervene on landing fees although it is urging the airport authority to review these. The authority only plans to do that later this year, when it has a clearer idea of costs and revenues.
Source: Airline Business
