The long-awaited opening of Macau's airport next month may not see the carriers lining up as planners had envisaged, but they can at least take comfort from the barrier still facing their irrepressible rival and neighbouring airport at Zhuhai.
When the first scheduled flights start from the Portuguese colony in November, it is not clear who besides Air Macau will operate. TAP Air Portugal plans its first flight in December, which will bring Portugal's President Soares to the airport's official opening. Yet, TAP is still discussing joint flights with Sabena, while BA, Lufthansa, Thai Airways and Korean Airlines have all disclaimed plans to serve Macau.
Most airlines are sticking with Hong Kong despite congestion, higher fees, and tighter limits on fifth freedoms. They claim traffic forecasts simply do not justify Macau flights. Recent relaxation of Kai Tak's curfew has also delayed the need for a reliever airport. Until a high speed ferry link opens next year Hong Kong passengers will have little interest in Macau. But that could change once less crowded flights start from Macau into China.
Macau's airport is already seeking to restructure debts because of lower revenue forecasts. Moreover, construction costs overran 23 per cent and the territorial government was forced to support adjoining property development.
In the meantime, Zhuhai has opened its airport across the border in China. But it continues to suffer under Beijing's refusal to grant it international status. The Civil Aviation Administration of China has, however, awarded Zhuhai the air traffic control centre for the Pearl River delta.
Source: Airline Business
