The Hong Kong International Airport - Shenzhen Airport high speed rail project, known as the Western Express Line, looks into building a high speed rail connection between the two airports, which would act as an airside inter-terminal connection on a grand scale.

This would enable to create a seamless journey between domestic airports in mainland China and international destinations served from Hong Kong International Airport.

According to the report, because of the local geography, much, if not all, of the line would have to be underground – or under water. For example, a 7-kilometre cross-harbour tunnel between Hong Kong International Airport and Tuen Mun will be needed: a shorter tunnel is likely to be needed under Shenzhen Bay to access Bao’an Airport.



The report describes the project and then examines why the concept has not yet been used anywhere else. It then considers the particular situation of the Pearl River Delta region to see if the objections raised elsewhere apply here. It looks at issues like minimum connection time, Customs clearance, immigration procedures and baggage handling. It also considers the potential for air cargo.

“Marketing will be a major challenge, although if the system is well designed, passengers will be persuaded to use it by its perceived advantages to them – if and only if it is better than their alternatives. People will need reassurance that the system will work reliably, and will work for them”, the report concludes.

The report, free of charge to members, is available at £250 from IARO's web-site, http://www.iaro.com/publications.shtml?screen=2.

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