Aviation veteran Vivian Cheung named CEO of Airport Authority Hong Kong

HONG KONG, CHINA. Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has appointed Vivian Kar-fay Cheung as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective yesterday (7 April).

Her three-year term follows unanimous approval from the Board and the endorsement of Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee.

Having served as Chief Operating Officer since 2022 and Acting CEO since June, Cheung’s permanent appointment concludes an extensive nine-month global recruitment process.

A highly respected aviation veteran, Cheung brings over 30 years of experience in airport management, with leadership roles at Hong Kong International Airport, spanning airport operations, information technology and Mainland China airport management, among others.

Her previous roles include serving as Executive Director of Airport Operations (2019-2022) and as the Founding President of the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy, established by AAHK in 2016.

AAHK Chairman Fred Lam said, “Vivian has a stellar career at the airport and made history by being the first home-grown CEO from within AAHK. She will lead the management team, overseeing the airport’s operation and business development.

“Vivian will work closely with the Board in mapping the strategic directions for the airport in the next crucial phase of its development and realising our vision of developing HKIA into an Airport City that is aimed to be an economic engine of growth for Hong Kong and the region.

“I am confident that with her unwavering focus and resolute professionalism, Vivian, together with her team, will take HKIA to new heights.”

Cheung commented, “It is a great honour to be appointed CEO at HKIA, one of the best airports in the world. I am humbled by the task and responsibility that awaits me. The global business environment is increasingly challenging, but I am full of confidence in the future of our aviation industry.

“With the staunch support from the government, Chairman and the Board, AAHK colleagues and our business partners, we shall further consolidate HKIA’s leading position and develop the Airport City as a new landmark in Asia.”

Cheung earned her Bachelor of Computer Science from The State University of New York and Master of Business Administration from Southern Illinois University, and is an alumnus of the Stanford Executive Program.

Her distinguished career is marked by pioneering roles at high-technology companies in New York and Silicon Valley, before joining AAHK in 1992.

In addition, Cheung also serves as the Director of the Aviation Security Company Limited Board; Chairman of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai Airport Management Company Limited; and Vice Chairman of the Shanghai Hong Kong Airport Management Co., Ltd.

Cheung has also been notable for her active involvement in the community, with roles on the Town Planning Board and the Board of Directors of Support! International Foundation.

She is currently a member of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s Infrastructure Development Advisory Committee.