IATA Revises Hong Kong Aviation Recovery to Year End 2024

Geneva – Taking steps to ease Hong Kong’s labor crunch in the aviation sector, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomed the government’s efforts. As a result, IATA upgraded its passenger traffic projections for Hong Kong to pre-crisis levels by 2024. As a result of this revision, Hong Kong’s recovery is now in line with expectations for a faster recovery in Asia-Pacific.

Hong Kong’s situation is promising. Reopening earlier than expected is boosting China’s passenger recovery. Traffic in Hong Kong should return to pre-crisis levels by 2024. “It is encouraging to see the Hong Kong government preparing for this by ensuring that workers are available to support the recovery,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

A labor importation scheme was introduced by the Hong Kong government to ramp up the airport workforce by 6,300 workers from the Mainland of China. There has been a shortage of labor and supply chain issues in Hong Kong, despite strong demand for air travel.

The aviation sector has been devastated for the past three years. To prepare for future growth, it is imperative that the entire Hong Kong aviation community, including airlines, airports, regulators, and government, work together to address the challenges and prepare for the opportunities ahead. “I am looking forward to meeting with various partners in August and engaging in fruitful discussions,” Walsh said.

Hong Kong Aviation Day will be organized by IATA and the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) on 2-3 August 2023.

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