January 20 2025  |  Airlines & Airports

Airport Authority Hong Kong's SKYTOPIA aims to transform HKIA to world-class destination

By Wendy Morley


Fred Lam (centre), Chairman of AAHK; Vivian Cheung (left), Acting CEO; and Cissy Chan (right), Executive Director, Commercial, of AAHK, unveil SKYTOPIA today

In a bold move to redefine the role of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has unveiled an ambitious development branded as SKYTOPIA. The project, presented to over 300 business leaders from Hong Kong, mainland China and the international business community, aims to transform the airport precinct into a comprehensive destination that leverages both land and marine resources.

SKYTOPIA's development strategy focuses on integrating commercial activities with cultural attractions, positioning the airport as more than just a transit point. The blueprint includes Hong Kong's first comprehensive art hub combining creation, appreciation and trading spaces, alongside the city's first dedicated stand-alone art storage facility.

"We envisage that HKIA will not be just a place for passengers to board their flights or a portal for entering Hong Kong," says Fred Lam, Chairman of AAHK. "Our vision is to develop 'SKYTOPIA' into a landmark of its own, and a world-leading destination, attracting visitors from within Hong Kong and the prosperous Greater Bay Area, as well as major markets in Asia and the rest of the world."


Fred Lam, Chairman of AAHK, says AAHK’s vision is to develop “SKYTOPIA” into a landmark of its own, and a world-leading destination

The development's waterfront elements are particularly ambitious, featuring Airport Bay Marina with over 500 berths, making it Hong Kong's largest yacht facility. This will be complemented by what developers tout as Hong Kong's largest water recreation area and a marine resort with luxury hotel accommodations.

Entertainment facilities form another cornerstone of the project, with plans for Phase 2 of AsiaWorld-Expo to house Hong Kong's largest indoor purpose-built performance venue, capable of hosting 20,000 spectators. A sportainment complex will combine indoor and outdoor concepts for adventure activities and entertainment.

The development also emphasizes innovative transportation solutions, incorporating automated car parks and autonomous vehicles within a green and smart transport system. A 1.5 kilometer-long CoveWalk and Piazza will serve as the development's connective tissue.

For aviation-linked commercial opportunities, SKYTOPIA will feature a Jet Fresh Market offering gourmet products flown in from around the globe. AAHK positions itself as an infrastructure enabler rather than an operator, creating platforms for private sector expertise.

"AAHK's role is to build the key infrastructure and create a platform for experts and investors to deliver services and products through their specially designed facilities," Lam explains. "We are grateful to the HKSAR Government for the policy support and excited to see the positive responses from the business community."

The SKYTOPIA brand itself is carefully crafted to reflect the development's aspirations, with "SKY" and "IA" referencing its airport heritage and global connections, while "TOP" emphasizes its ambition to deliver premium experiences and establish itself as a leading regional landmark.


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