The operations at SuperTerminal 1 of Hong Kong's new airport at Chek Lap Kok have become normal.

All import and export handling was moved back from the old Kai Tak International Airport to the terminal yesterday (Monday) - eight days ahead of schedule. The move represented the successful completion of the four-phase air cargo recovery programme which began about a month ago by Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminal Ltd. (HACTL).

A spokesman for HACTL said all operations had been smooth. "It expects further improvement in efficiency in a few days' time when all HACTL staff at Kai Tak can return to Chek Lap Kok after import cargo previously delivered to Kai Tak is collected by the recipients," he said.

The Kai Tak terminal is expected to be closed completely tomorrow after cargo fowarded there is cleared.

HACTL experienced problems in air cargo handling at SuperTerminal 1 soon after the opening of the new airport on July 6. With the help of Government departments, HACTL moved its operations back to Kai Tak before gradually recovering. However, facilities operated by other cargo handlers at the new airport have been running normally since the opening.