Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2007-08

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)004

CONTROLLING  OFFICER'S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

0059

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(3)   Air Traffic Management

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

Regarding the improvements that the Department will continue to make to air traffic management during 2007-08, what are the additional software and hardware facilities and the estimated expenditure?  What is the expected increase in the runway capacity?

Asked by:

Hon. CHAN Kam-lam

Reply:

In 2007-08, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) will continue to make improvements to air traffic management with a view to increasing the runway capacity.  With regard to the software and hardware facilities, CAD will enhance the handling capacity of the existing air traffic control facilities, such as radar display system, communication facilities, recording system and aeronautical information supporting systems.  The estimated expenditure for improving the facilities in 2007-08 is $8.4 m.  When completed, the improvement work will help enhance the aircraft handling capability of CAD in the coming few years.  However, since the runway capacity is also affected by other factors including air routes in the Pearl River Delta region, flight procedures and co-ordination with the adjacent area control centers, it is difficult at this stage to simply quantify the final effect of the improvement work on the runway capacity.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

15.3.2007

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2007-08

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)005

CONTROLLING  OFFICER'S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

0060

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(3)   Air Traffic Management          

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

Regarding the rationalisation and optimisation of the airspace design of the Pearl River Delta region, will the Government carry out any consultancy studies?  As for co-ordination with neighbouring Area Control Centres, does the Civil Aviation Department need to rationalise or optimise its systems or other facilities?  What are the respective estimates of expenditure for consultancy studies and system co-ordination?

Asked by:

Hon. CHAN Kam-lam

Reply:

The General Administration of Civil Aviation of China, the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department (CAD) and the Macao Civil Aviation Authority established a tripartite working group in February 2004 to improve the use of airspace and the co-ordination of air traffic management in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region, including optimisation of regional airspace design; standardisation of interface and protocols of air traffic control (ATC) systems; and establishment of additional air routes for civil aviation with a view to meeting the forecast air traffic growth in the PRD region up to 2020.  As this mechanism has been operating satisfactorily, the Administration has no plan to conduct a separate consultancy study on the design of PRD airspace at this stage.

CAD is planning to replace the existing ATC system to cope with the anticipated air traffic growth and to enhance the interoperability with the adjacent area control centers.  The estimated cost of the new ATC system, which will be housed in the proposed CAD Headquarters Building on the Airport Island, is $1.565b.  Subject to the approval of the Finance Committee, it is anticipated that the project will be completed by end 2012.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

15.3.2007

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2007-08

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)006

CONTROLLING  OFFICER'S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

0129

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(3)    Air Traffic Management

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

It is anticipated that in 2007, the total number of flights handled in Hong Kong will increase to over 310 000 flights as compared to 2006.  The Administration advises that the runway capacity will be enhanced through air traffic control measures. In this connection, will the Administration advise this Council whether the current capacity of the runways is capable of meeting the air traffic demand in 2007-08 as well as in the coming 3 to 5 years; and whether a target has been set for the enhancement of runway capacity?  If yes, what is the target number and the expenditure involved?

Asked by:

Hon. TAM Heung-man

Reply:

To meet the forecast increase in air traffic demand, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) will continue to implement various measures to enhance its air traffic handling capability.  The enhancement measures include improving air traffic control (ATC) facilities, employing additional air traffic controllers, streamlining  ATC procedures and adopting new ATC technology, and continuing the co-ordination work with the civil aviation authorities of the Mainland and Macao to optimise and rationalise the Pearl River Delta (PRD) airspace and flight procedures.  Besides, CAD will work closely with the aviation industry and the Airport Authority to improve the airport infrastructure and runway utilisation with a view to further increasing the runway capacity of the airport.  However, since the runway capacity is also affected by other factors including flight paths in the PRD region, flight procedures and co-ordination with the adjacent area control centers, it is difficult at this stage to quantify simplistically the final effect of the improvement measures on the runway capacity.  

The estimated expenditure for enhancing CAD's ATC facilities in 2007-08 is $8.4 million, while that for employing additional staff is $3.1 million.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

15.3.2007

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2007-08

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)007

CONTROLLING  OFFICER'S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

0130

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(3)   Air Traffic Management

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

Given the growing number of flights that Hong Kong handles, when does the Administration expect the runway and air traffic control systems of the Hong Kong International Airport will reach their capacity?

Asked by:

Hon. TAM Heung-man

Reply:

The capacity of our runways and the air traffic control (ATC) system is affected by various factors, including capacity of the ATC facilities, manpower resources and airspace design in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region.  To cope with the growing traffic demand, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) is planning to replace the existing ATC system, which will be housed in the new CAD Headquarters Building on the Airport Island, by end 2012.  In the meantime, CAD will improve the existing ATC facilities, employ additional air traffic controllers, streamline the ATC procedures and adopt new ATC technology, as well as co-ordinate the use of airspace and management of air traffic in the PRD region with the civil aviation authorities of the Mainland and Macao. CAD will also work closely with the aviation industry and the Airport Authority to improve the airport infrastructure and runway utilisation.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

15.3.2007

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2007-08

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)008

CONTROLLING  OFFICER'S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

0142

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(5)   Air Services

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

The Administration will conduct a review on helicopter services under the work plan for 2007-08.  Will it cover the suggestions made by many people in the community to enhance cross-boundary helicopter services?  If yes, what is the timetable for this initiative?

Asked by:

Hon. TAM Heung-man

Reply:

In reviewing the demand for helicopter services, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) will take into account suggestions from the community and liaise closely with the industry.  With regard to cross-boundary helicopter services, the tender exercise for the expansion of the existing cross-boundary heliport at the Macau Ferry Terminal has been completed.  The expansion works are expected to commence in mid 2007 for completion in mid 2009.  In order to meet the longer term demand for cross-boundary helicopter services, the Administration has reserved a site within the Kai Tak Development for another cross-boundary heliport.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

15.3.2007

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2007-08

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)009

CONTROLLING  OFFICER'S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

0143

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(5)   Air Services

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

Regarding the implementation of aircraft noise abatement programme, please advise the details and anticipated effectiveness of the programme.

Asked by:

Hon. TAM Heung-man

Reply:

In 2007-08, the Civil Aviation Department will continue to implement the noise abatement programme through design of flight paths, landing and take-off procedures, and prohibition of aircraft which cannot meet international standards, to avoid flights over the densely populated regions as far as possible, including reducing the number of aircraft overflying residential areas during night time, thereby reducing the nuisance caused by aircraft noise.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

15.3.2007

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2007-08

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)010

CONTROLLING  OFFICER'S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

0456

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(1)    Flight Standards

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

The approvals of authorised examiners/approved persons significantly increased from 179 in 2005 to 319 in 2006.  But the revised target from 2007 is only 240, still quite a difference from the actual number in 2006.  Please advise:

1)      What are the numbers of first-timers and repeaters for the assessment respectively?

2)      How much manpower and provision were added to cope with the sudden increase of candidates in 2006?

3)     What criteria are based on in setting the new target of 240 in 2007?  Is this target sufficient to meet the actual demand?  How much additional manpower and resource will be required?

Asked by:

Hon. KWONG Chi-kin

Reply:

1)    Most of the approvals issued to authorised examiners/approved persons are valid for 3 years.  In 2006, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) issued 126 approvals to first-timers and 193 approvals to renewal cases upon expiry of the validity period.  In 2006, no applicant failed the requisite examination and was required to retake it.

2)    In 2006, the increased workload relating to the approvals of authorised examiners/approved persons was absorbed by the existing staff of CAD through short-term reshuffling of duties and redeployment of resources.  No additional staff or resources were involved.

3)    The surge of applications in 2006 was primarily due to the introduction of new aircraft types by local airlines and the commencement of operation by a new airline.  Since it is anticipated that there will be less new aircraft types to be introduced by local airlines, the number of applications for first approval is expected to return to about 80 cases in 2007.  Based on the number of approvals in 2004, it is estimated that there will be about 160 renewal applications in 2007.  Therefore, a target of 240 is set for 2007.  CAD will continue to cope with the work through deployment of existing resources.  No additional staff or resources would be involved.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

15.3.2007

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2007-08

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)011

CONTROLLING  OFFICER'S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

0457

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(3)        Air Traffic Management

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

Under Matters Requiring Special Attention in 2007-08, the Civil Aviation Department will recruit air traffic controllers.  Please advise:

1)            What is the existing number of air traffic controllers? What is the expenditure involved in 2006-07?  What is the scope of their main duties?

2)            What are the number of air traffic controllers to be recruited in 2007-08, the reasons for recruitment and their operations? How much additional provisions will be required?

Asked by:

Hon. KWONG Chi-kin

Reply:

1)

There are 222 air traffic control officers in Civil Aviation Department (CAD) and the estimated salary provisions for 2006-07 are $140 m.

Their main duties are:

a)       providing air traffic control (ATC), flight information and alerting services for flights operating within the Hong Kong Flight Information Region (FIR);

b)       establishing flight procedures for aircraft arriving and departing Hong Kong as well as transiting the Hong Kong FIR; and

c)       providing specialised in-house training for air traffic control officers in accordance with international standards to enable them to acquire recognised qualifications.

  2)

CAD will recruit 20 Student Air Traffic Control Officers in 2007-08.  After training, they will fill the vacancies arising from natural wastage and meet the demand arising from the forecast air traffic growth.  The estimated salary  cost for new recruits in 2007-08  is $2.3 m.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

15.3.2007

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2007-08

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)012

CONTROLLING  OFFICER'S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

0458

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(4)   Engineering and Systems

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

For the completion of the electronic engineering projects on time and within budget, the actual target achieved was only 97.9% in 2006.  This is mainly attributable to the longer time required to complete the tender procedures for two projects.  Please advise:

1)        What are the two projects for which the tender procedures have not been completed?  Why is longer time required to complete the tender procedures?  How much longer will it take to complete the procedures?  How much additional resources will be required to cope with the additional workload?  Are the estimated manpower and expenditure for 2007-08 sufficient to meet the requirement?

2)        Will the relevant workload increase in 2007 as a result of not completing the said tender procedures in 2006-07?  The target set for 2007 is only similar to the actual workload in 2006.  What are the reasons for that?

Asked by:

Hon. KWONG Chi-kin

Reply:

1)        The two projects are : -

(a)      provision of the Arrival Metering and Sequencing Trial System(s); and

(b)      expansion of the Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (SMGCS) for expanding the surveillance zone of the existing system to cover the whole airport.

For project (a), since it was necessary to conduct negotiations with the potential suppliers on the Terms and Conditions of Contract, the duration of the tender procedures has been extended.  It is expected that the tender procedures would be completed in May 2007. 

For project (b), given the complexity of the system which employs the latest technology, more time was required for detailed clarifications with the tenderer on the tender proposal.  The project was completed in January 2007.

The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) has deployed existing resources to absorb the extra work arising from the extended duration of the above two projects.  The estimated manpower and provision for 2007-08 are sufficient to meet the requirement.

2)        Project (b) was completed in January 2007, and CAD has sufficient provision to cover the increased workload arising from the extended duration of Project (a) in 2007-08.  Accordingly, the target set for 2007 will not be affected. 

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

15.3.2007

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2007-08

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)013

CONTROLLING  OFFICER'S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

0784

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(1)   Flight Standards

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

Under Matters Requiring Special Attention in 2007-08, the Department will review the policy on the avoidance of drug and alcohol abuse in personnel holding aviation safety-sensitive posts.  Please advise :

a.             Will the review involve any special expenses?  If yes, what are the expenses?

b.            What are the reasons for conducting the review?  Is it because the problem of drug and alcohol abuse in personnel holding aviation safety-sensitive posts is getting worse in recent years?  Please provide the relevant data for the past three years.

c.            What is the preliminary approach to the review of the policy?

Asked by:

Hon. LAM Kin-fung, Jeffrey

Reply:

a)      In order to support the review, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) has established an Alcohol and Drugs Working Group (ADWG).  Its membership includes medical assessors appointed by CAD and representatives of pilot associations and airlines.  The review is undertaken by existing staff of CAD and no additional expenditure is involved.

b)      According to Annex 1 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, holders of licences (including flight crews and air traffic controllers) shall not exercise the privileges of their licences while under the influence of any psychoactive substance (including alcohol and psychostimulants) which might render them unable to safely and properly exercise their privileges.  Furthermore, in accordance with the Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order 1995 (Cap. 448C), a person shall not, when acting as a member of the crew of any aircraft, be under the influence of drink or a drug to such an extent as to impair his capacity so to act.  To ensure compliance with the requirements, the review was initiated in 2005 primarily to formulate the procedures for conducting alcohol and drugs screening and to monitor their subsequent implementation.

No report of drug or alcohol abuse by personnel holding aviation safety-sensitive posts has been received by CAD in the past three years.

c)      At this stage, ADWG is studying the introduction of procedures for conducting alcohol and drugs screening, and the publication of guidance materials for avoiding drug and alcohol abuse.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

15.3.2007

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2007-08

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)014

CONTROLLING  OFFICER'S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

0785

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(5)   Air Services

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

In 2007-08, the Government will monitor aircraft noise and flight tracks, and implement the noise abatement programme.  Please inform this Committee of the details and the expenditure so incurred.

Asked by:

Hon. CHAN Wai-yip, Albert

Reply:

In 2007-08, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) will continue to monitor aircraft noise and flight routes round the clock through the Aircraft Noise and Flight Track Monitoring System.  The System comprises 16 noise monitors installed near the landing and take-off paths at the Hong Kong International Airport.  CAD will also continue to implement the noise abatement programme through design of flight paths, landing and take-off procedures, and prohibition of aircraft which cannot meet international standards to minimise the nuisance caused by aircraft noise. 

Aircraft noise and flight track monitoring is undertaken by 5 officers in the Air Services Division, with an estimated annual staff cost of about $2 m.  The recurrent repair and maintenance cost of the noise and flight track monitoring system is estimated to be about $1.3 m per year.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

15.3.2007

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2007-08

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)015

CONTROLLING  OFFICER'S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

0786

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(3)   Air Traffic Management          

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

In 2007-08, the Administration will recruit and provide quality training to air traffic control staff to meet the anticipated air traffic services demand.  Please inform this Committee of the number of officers to be recruited and the expenditure involved.

Asked by:

Hon. CHAN Wai Yip, Albert

Reply:

In 2007-08, Civil Aviation Department will recruit 20 Student Air Traffic Control Officers.  The estimated salary cost involved is about $2.3 m.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

15.3.2007

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2007-08

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)016

CONTROLLING  OFFICER'S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

0787

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

There will be an estimated 20 directorate posts as at 31 March 2007, rising to 22 directorate posts as at 31 March 2008.  What are the duties of the two additional posts and the expenditure involved?  Will such duties overlap with those of the existing directorate posts?

Asked by:

Hon. KWONG Chi-kin

Reply:

One of the two proposed additional directorate posts is a supernumerary post of Assistant Director-General of Civil Aviation (ADGCA) at D2 level to head a project team which will oversee the procurement and commissioning of the replacement air traffic control (ATC) system and the building of the new Civil Aviation Department (CAD) headquarters on the Airport Island.  The other is a permanent post of Chief Air Traffic Control Officer (CATCO) at D1 level to head the Air Traffic Management Standards Office under the Flight Standards and Airworthiness Division (FSAD), which performs regulatory functions overseeing the air traffic management operations in Hong Kong.  The total salary cost of the two proposed posts, in terms of notional annual mid-point salary value, is $2.5 m. 

Replacement of the ATC system and development of a new departmental headquarters is a brand new project.  For the proposed CATCO post, its work is currently undertaken by another CATCO, through internal redevelopment on a temporary basis.  Upon the creation of the proposed permanent post in FSAD, the existing CATCO will resume his normal duties in another Division.  The duties of both proposed posts will not overlap with those of the existing directorate posts in CAD.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

15.3.2007

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2007-08

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)017

CONTROLLING  OFFICER'S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

0788

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(3)   Air Traffic Management          

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

Provision for 2007-08 is $10.1 million higher than the revised estimate for 2006-07.  This is mainly due to the creation of nine posts in 2007-08 and recruitment of temporary staff.  Please advise:

What are the detailed uses of the $10.1 million for the creation of nine posts and recruitment of temporary staff?  What is the respective amount of expenditure involved?  How many posts are responsible for handling the air traffic control management work and how many of them are for handling the preparatory work for the replacement of the air traffic control systems?  What is the contract period for the temporary staff concerned?

Asked by:

Hon. KWONG Chi-kin

Reply:

The 9 new posts to be created are 2 Air Traffic Control Officers I (ATCO I) and 7 Air Traffic Control Officers II (ATCO II).  The salary cost of these 9 posts, in terms of notional annual mid-point salary value, is $6.8 m..  The 6 temporary staff to be recruited comprise 3 Operations Officers, 2 Air Traffic Flight Services Officers and 1 Aeronautical Communications Officer.  The salary provisions for these temporary staff are $2.9 m and their employment contracts generally last for 2 years.  Of the new posts to be created in 2007-08, 1 ATCO I and 1 ATCO II will be responsible for air traffic control (ATC) duties, whilst the remaining 7 ATCO posts together with the 6 temporary staff will be deployed to handle the preparatory work for the replacement of the ATC system and the establishment of a new ATC Centre.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

15.3.2007

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2007-08

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)018

CONTROLLING  OFFICER'S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

1013

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(1)   Flight Standards

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

During 2007-08, the Department will monitor closely the operational safety and airworthiness of aircraft registered in Hong Kong.  What will be the expenses incurred?

Asked by:

Hon. YOUNG Howard

Reply:

Being the safety regulator of aviation activities in Hong Kong, the Civil Aviation Department ensures the airworthiness of aircraft registered in Hong Kong and maintains the flight safety standards of Hong Kong airlines.  The estimated expenditure, mainly staff costs, for 2007-08 is about $59 m.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

15.3.2007

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2007-08

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)019

CONTROLLING  OFFICER'S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

1014

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(2)    Airport Standards

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

During 2007-08, the department will monitor airfield enhancement works at the Hong Kong International Airport to ensure that new facilities meet aerodrome licensing standards.  What are the details of the works and the estimated expenditure?

Asked by:

Hon. YOUNG Howard

Reply:

The major enhancement works to be conducted at the Hong Kong International Airport during 2007-08 are as follows:

(a)      construction of 10 additional parking stands for freighter aircraft and an additional taxiway for access to these stands;

(b)      upgrading of 11 temporary parking stands and their access taxiways for long-term parking;

(c)      planning and design of an additional small passenger terminal at the North Apron remote stands;

(d)      extension of a taxiway at the Maintenance Apron to provide direct access from the maintenance hangars to the remote maintenance parking stands;

(e)      scheduled preventive maintenance works to resurface the South Runway; and

(f)       construction of two additional exit taxiways from the South Runway to the freighter aircraft taxiway to reduce runway occupancy time of these aircraft.

The above works will be funded by the Airport Authority Hong Kong.  The necessary resources for monitoring the above works by the Civil Aviation Department are primarily staff cost and related operating expenses, which have been included in the overall provisions under Head 28 Civil Aviation Department Programme (2) and cannot be itemised.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

15.3.2007

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2007-08

Reply Serial No.

SB189

CONTROLLING  OFFICER'S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

1079

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(2)   Airport Standards

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Security

Question:

During 2007-08, it is stated that for 2007-08 the department will develop and implement the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Security Training Programme. Please provide the implementation schedule, targets to be achieved and the estimated resources involved?

Asked by:

Hon. YOUNG Howard

Reply:

Having regard to the new requirements stipulated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, the Civil Aviation Department will develop the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Security Training Programme (HKCASTP) for personnel of all organizations responsible for or involved in the implementation of the Hong Kong Aviation Security Programme (HKASP).  The  HKCASTP aims to establish a set of aviation security training standards to ensure effective implementation of the HKASP, which has been drawn up to provide standards and guidelines for protecting and safeguarding aircraft, passengers, crew and the general public against acts of unlawful interference.

The development and implementation of the HKCASTP will be undertaken by existing staff and no additional resources will be required.  The target implementation date of the programme is the first quarter of 2008.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

14.3.2007

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2007-08

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)020

CONTROLLING  OFFICER'S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

2042

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(2)   Airport Standards

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

In 2007-08, will the Administration need to recruit additional staff and increase training resources to implement the International Civil Aviation Organization's latest standards on carriage of dangerous goods by air and to monitor industry compliance?  If yes, what are the details?

Asked by:

Hon. WONG Ting-kwong

Reply:

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) reviews the standards for air transport of dangerous goods biennially, and the new standards would be applied to Hong Kong through amendments to the relevant local legislation.  The Dangerous Goods Office under the Airport Standards Division of the Civil Aviation Department is responsible for overseeing the compliance of the relevant legislation by the industry.  As the standards are reviewed biennially, the amount of changes made on a single occasion would usually be limited.  In 2007-08, the workload arising from the review will be coped with by the existing manpower of the Dangerous Goods Office, and will not entail additional training requirements.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

15.3.2007

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2007-08

Reply Serial No.

SB188

CONTROLLING  OFFICER'S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

2043

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(2)   Airport Standards

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Security

Question:

The target is to conduct 14 audit inspections of airport operators and airport tenants to ensure compliance with the requirements in the Hong Kong Aviation Security Programme.  The planned target for 2007 is 17 as there is a need to conduct more inspections on local airlines.  Is it anticipated that more inspections are needed in future? Will funding and manpower be required to cope with the additional workload? If yes, what are the details?

Asked by:

Hon. WONG Ting-kwong

Reply:

The Civil Aviation Department anticipates that there will be a steady increase in the number of airport tenants and aircraft operators at the Hong Kong International Airport in the coming years.  The Department will correspondingly increase the number of audit inspections to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Hong Kong Aviation Security Programme and to maintain a consistent standard.  The increased workload will be absorbed by existing staff and no additional resources will be required.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

14.3.2007

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2007-08

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)021

CONTROLLING  OFFICER'S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

2044

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(3)    Air Traffic Management

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

The number of aircraft movements has increased from 280 426 in 2006-07 to the estimated 313 000 in 2007-08.  What was the basis used by the Administration for projecting the increase?  In addition, CAD indicates, as it did last year, that it will recruit air traffic control staff to meet the anticipated air traffic services demand.  How many staff were recruited in 2006-07?  For the 9 air traffic control staff expected to be recruited in 2007-08, how many will be part-time staff and how many full-time?  What are the detailed main responsibilities of the temporary staff?

Asked by:

Hon. WONG Ting-kwong

Reply:

The forecast increase is made by the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) with reference to the air traffic demand forecasts by the Airport Authority Hong Kong, and international organisations such as the International Air Transport Association, as well as other relevant data.  In 2006-07, CAD recruited 14 Student Air Traffic Control Officers (SATCO).  In 2007-08, another 20 SATCOs will be recruited to, upon completion of training, fill the vacancies arising from natural wastage and meet the demand arising from the forecast air traffic growth. 

In 2007-08, CAD will create 9 permanent new Air Traffic Control Officer posts.  Among them, 2 posts will be responsible for air traffic control (ATC) duties and the remaining 7 posts will be deployed to handle the preparatory work for the replacement of the ATC system and the establishment of a new ATC Centre.  As regards the 6 temporary staff to be recruited, namely 3 Operations Officers, 2 Air Traffic Flight Services Officers, and 1 Aeronautical Communications Officer, they will assist in the above-mentioned preparatory work for the replacement of the ATC system and the establishment of a new ATC Centre.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

15.3.2007

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2007-08

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)022

CONTROLLING  OFFICER'S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

2045

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(3)   Air Traffic Management

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

The Civil Aviation Department liaises with civil aviation authorities of the Mainland and Macao to review and evaluate air traffic control and flight procedures for airports in the Pearl River Delta region; and maintains close liaison with neighbouring Area Control Centres to review the organisation of airspace and air routes structure in an effort to enhance the safe and efficient provision of air traffic services.  What is the progress of the above work?

Asked by:

Hon. WONG Ting-kwong

Reply:

The General Administration of Civil Aviation of China, the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department (CAD) and the Macao Civil Aviation Authority established a tripartite working group in February 2004 to improve the use of airspace and the co-ordination of air traffic management in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region, including optimisation of regional airspace design; standardisation of interface and protocols of air traffic control systems; and establishment of additional air routes for civil aviation, with a view to meeting the forecast air traffic growth in the region.  For instance, through the efforts of the tripartite working group, an additional handover point and a corresponding air route between the Guangzhou and the Hong Kong Flight Information Regions were established in December 2006 to cater for flights overflying Hong Kong and landing in Guangzhou.  These have eased the burden on the original handover point and air route for flights to and from northern China. 

The tripartite mechanism has been operating satisfactorily.  We will continue to make use of this platform to discuss and co-ordinate with the Mainland and Macao aviation authorities to rationalise and optimise the use of airspace in the PRD region.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

15.3.2007

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2007-08

Reply Serial No.

S-EDLB(ED)01

CONTROLLING  OFFICER'S  REPLY  TO
SUPPLEMENTARY  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

S047

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(5)   Air Services

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

The noise brought about by over 5 600 flights per week to 150 destinations worldwide has been a major nuisance to residents in the New Territories West, especially those living in Park Island, Tsuen Wan.  As the Government is about to conduct a feasibility study on the construction of a third runway, please advise:

(1)      whether the Civil Aviation Department has adopted any measures to mitigate the nuisances of aircraft noise?  If so, what are the details and effectiveness of such measures?

(2)      whether the study on the construction of a third runway will take into account the issue of aircraft noise?  If so, what does it involve and how much the noise level is expected to fall?

Asked by:

Hon. WONG Kwok-hing

Reply:

(1)  The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) will continue to monitor aircraft noise and flight track round-the-clock by means of the Aircraft Noise and Flight Track Monitoring System which consists of 16 noise monitors installed in the vicinity of the flight paths of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).  As long as air traffic safety is not affected, CAD will also continue to implement the following noise mitigating measures:-

(a)      flights departing Hong Kong between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. in the northeasterly direction, after avoiding the terrain in the vicinity and reaching Ma Wan, are required to turn right and use the south-bound departure flight path over the West Lamma Channel in order not to overfly the populated areas of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island;

(b)      flights arriving Hong Kong between midnight and 7 a.m. have to use the flight path south of Hong Kong  to fly round the southwest corner of Lantau to the west of HKIA for landing.  This will avoid overflying areas such as Sha Tin, Kwai Chung, Tsing Yi, Tsuen Wan and Sham Tseng;

(c)      aircraft approaching from the northeast between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. have to adopt the Continuous Descent Approach which reduces engine thrust so that noise at Sai Kung, Tseung Kwan O and Ma On Shan will be reduced;

(d)      all take-offs in the northeasterly direction have to adopt the Noise Abatement Departure Procedures prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organization to reach a higher altitude within a shorter distance in order to reduce the noise impact in the vicinity of HKIA; and

(e)      all noisy subsonic jet aircraft which do not comply with the noise standard stipulated in Chapter 3 of Part II, Volume I of Annex 16 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation are banned from landing and taking-off at Hong Kong.

CAD has monitored closely the aircraft noise impact since the opening of HKIA.  As indicated by the aircraft noise recorded at the noise monitoring terminals, there have been noticeable improvements since the implementation of the above noise mitigating measures.

(2) The Airport Authority will soon begin engineering and environmental feasibility studies on the option of constructing a third runway.  The study will examine the effect of various factors such as possible runway locations, corresponding arrival and departure flight paths, and possible increase in aircraft movements, on aircraft noise.  

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

23.3.2007