Sir - It has been mentioned that "Chek Lap Kok fees create conflict" (Flight International, 23-29 April, P14). The article says that the Hong Kong Legislature's 1997/8 budget debate indicates that, "-although the charges will be nearly double those at Kai Tek, it will still keep the airport in the middle of world ranking".
Although the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is against comparison (or benchmarking) being used to establish airport-charges levels, it is concerned that the Hong Kong Airport Authority's statement could leave a misleading impression on readers' minds.
IATA feels that the charges for Chek Lap Kok should be fair to its users and that the Hong Kong Airport Authority should not impose onerous requirements, such as having enough to repay all borrowings by 2001 (within three years of the airport's opening).
Investing in airport infrastructure is a substantial effort, but it is, in the long term, in the social and economic interests of Hong Kong.
Lim Piang Poh
Manager for Industry Monetary Affairs
Asia/Pacific
IATA, Singapore
Source: Flight International