Dragonair passengers from Mainland China can now save time by completing check-in procedures before crossing the border.

A new service was introduced on December 1 to allow passengers to check-in and have their boarding passes issued at Shenzhen International Airport for Dragonair's flights departing from Hong Kong.

Passengers can complete all check-in formalities before taking cross-boundary land transportation to Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

The service provides travellers from cities in the Pearl River Delta with a quick and convenient way to reach their destination through the Hong Kong hub.

An "upstream" check-in service was already available to Dragonair passengers travelling between Shekou, Fuyong, Humen, Macau and Hong Kong International Airport's SkyPier by cross-boundary ferry.

The new service, operated by SkyLink Passenger Services Company, now extends the upstream facility to passengers taking land transportation.

The new service, together with the Sea-to-Air check-in service launched in 2005, will help to further strengthen Hong Kong's dual roles as gateway to the Mainland and leading international aviation hub by creating seamless connections between the Pearl River Delta region and international flights departing from Hong Kong.

To enjoy the new service, Dragonair passengers departing from Shenzhen will need to arrive at Shenzhen International Airport at least 180 minutes before the schedule departure time of their flight.

Those with baggage can complete check-in procedures at Shenzhen and go straight to the Dragonair Self Check-in Bag Drop counter after arriving at the airport in Hong Kong. Those without check-in baggage can go directly to Immigration.