Sir - I refer to the article about Macau International Airport, "Slow start" (Flight International, 5-11 June, P26).
Macau InternationalAirport was officially opened on 8 December, 1995, and one could not expect to see a lot of aircraft on the runway - especially when a ceremony for about 2,000 guests was taking place and occupying the apron area.
Macau International Airport started, as many other airports do, from nothing. Nevertheless, during May this year, about 112,000 passengers passed through the new airport, which has recorded a total of 400,000 passengers since its opening.
The Government of Macau has so far negotiated air-services agreements with 25 countries worldwide, which will be valid beyond 1999. There are 13 airlines operating scheduled flights to the airport: Air Macau, Asiana Airlines, China Northern, China Northwest, CNAC, EVA Airways, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, SAS (cargo only), Singapore Airlines, Swissair (cargo only), TAP/Sabena and Transasia Airways. Charter flights involving a considerable number of passengers have been operated, enhancing the presence of the three main Japanese carriers.
These airlines serve 24 cities in Asia and Europe, with 128 weekly flights operated between Macau and Taiwan. Air Macau has also started flying to Bangkok twice a week, besides the daily connections to China and Taiwan. From 1997, the airport ferry terminal will permit direct high-speed links with Hong Kong and ports in Guangdong province.
Our "-struggle to generate business" to the airport is now a reality, and an important achievement for Macau, China and Portugal.
R DANIEL
Public relations manager
Civil Aviation Authority of Macau
Macau
Source: Flight International
