2006
HK passes evaluation on preventing spread of diseases through air travel
14 December 2006
The Director-General of Civil Aviation, Mr Norman Lo, today (December 14) received a good evaluation report from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which confirms that the relevant policies, training and communication procedures put in place at the Hong Kong International Airport fully complies with the ICAO's guidelines for preventing the spread of communicable diseases through air travel.
The evaluation report was endorsed by Dr Jarnail Singh, the ICAO Aviation Medicine Expert responsible for the Cooperative Arrangement for Preventing the Spread of Communicable Diseases through Air Travel (CAPSCA) Project. Dr Jarnail Singh conducted a two-day evaluation in Hong Kong on December 13 and 14 to review the compliance and implementation of the ICAO's guidelines for preventing the spread of communicable diseases through air travel at the Hong Kong International Airport.
Mr Lo said, "We are glad that Hong Kong fully meets the ICAO's evaluation on preventing the spread of communicable diseases through air travel. It reaffirms that our training and procedures in place at the airport are appropriate and in compliance with international standards."
The CAPSCA Evaluation Project was initiated by the ICAO which aims at reducing the risk of spreading Avian Influenza and similar communicable diseases by air travel through cooperative arrangements between the participating states/administrations and airports. Under the project, the ICAO will send experts to visit participating airports to ensure its guidelines for preventing the spread of communicable diseases are adhered to and fully implemented by the participating civil aviation authorities, airport authorities, health authorities and airlines.
During the two-day evaluation in Hong Kong, Dr Jarnail Singh met with representatives of the Civil Aviation Department, Airport Authority Hong Kong and Department of Health. The evaluation includes awareness and compliance with the International Health Regulations, communication of information on travel and spread of communicable diseases, awareness of phases in the WHO global influenza preparedness plan and their implications for screening, awareness of airport specific guidelines, etc.
Mr Lo said, "We will remain vigilant against the spread of communicable diseases through air travel. The Civil Aviation Department, together with the Department of Health and Airport Authority Hong Kong will continue to ensure the ICAO's guidelines for preventing the spread of communicable diseases are adhered to and fully implemented."
Dr Jarnail Singh will leave Hong Kong today to continue his evaluations at other international airports.
CAD hosts Aviation Language Proficiency Seminar
30 November 2006
The Civil Aviation Department, with the support of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, hosts the Aviation Language Proficiency Seminar today (November 30) and tomorrow in Hong Kong.
As an initiative to further enhance aviation safety, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) formulated the language proficiency requirements for compliance by aviation personnel (including pilots and air traffic controllers) from March 5, 2008. The key objective of this international seminar is to give the aviation regulatory authorities and industry an update on the latest development of the language proficiency requirements.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the seminar, the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Mr Norman Lo, said that the ICAO language requirements for radiotelephony communication serve as one of the most important aviation safety initiatives to be implemented. He also added that the air traffic service provider and airline operators in Hong Kong are implementing the new requirements step by step and would like to share their experience with other organisations.
More than 120 delegates from over 40 organisations attend the two-day seminar, including the civil aviation administrations, ICAO, International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers' Associations, International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations, airlines, air traffic service providers and linguistic consultants.
CAD's response to media enquiries
26 October 2006
In response to media enquiries on the delay of the inaugural flight of Oasis Hong Kong Airlines (OHK), a spokesman for the Civil Aviation Department said the following today (October 26):
Upon receiving report from OHK shortly before the schedule departure time of its inaugural flight of October 25, 2006, that it had encountered difficulties in obtaining overflying permission from the Russian aviation authorities, the Civil Aviation Department had provided all possible assistance to OHK to resolve the problem. The flight eventually took off at 1.19pm today (October 26) from the Hong Kong International Airport.
The spokesman pointed out that according to international practice, the responsibility to obtain prior permission from relevant aviation authorities to overfly territories enroute and to land at the destination all along rests with the airline, as only the airline concerned can provide all the necessary technical and operational information of the flight concerned (e.g. aircraft type and equipment configuration, exact routing, departure time and arrival time, etc).
The Civil Aviation Department stresses that airlines must take full responsibility to fulfil their obligations to passengers. Should operations be disrupted by unforeseen circumstances airlines must keep passengers informed as early as possible and make alternative arrangements to minimise inconvenience to passengers. The department is seeking further information from OHK on this incident and has reminded the airline to take all necessary measures to prevent recurrence of similar incidents in the future.
CAD annual Search and Rescue Exercise a success
26 October 2006
The Civil Aviation Department has successfully completed its annual search and rescue exercise.
Code-named "SAREX 2006", it consisted of a long-range exercise yesterday (October 25) over the South China Sea, 80 nautical miles south of Hong Kong, and a short-range exercise today (October 26) in Port Shelter near Sai Kung.
The SAREX was hosted by the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) with 10 participating Search and Rescue (SAR) units - the Hong Kong Garrison of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), US Air Force, US Navy, US Coastguard, Government Flying Service (GFS), Marine Department, Marine Police, Fire Services Department (FSD), Civil Aid Service, and for the first time this year, the China Maritime Search and Rescue Centre (CMSARC) which sent a vessel and a helicopter to Hong Kong to take part.
"The exercise is held annually to strengthen co-operation and co-ordination in Search and Rescue (SAR) operations among the department, PLA, other SAR units of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, and if possible with Mainland and overseas SAR authorities," a spokesman for the department said.
"It provides air traffic controllers, aircrew and other SAR units with continued training and familiarisation with search and rescue techniques."
Yesterday's long-range exercise simulated a passenger airliner crashing 80 nautical miles south of Hong Kong. Three search aircraft, one each from the US Air Force, US Coast Guard and GFS were deployed to look for the airliner which was located in an hour.
Today's short-range exercise simulated a light executive jet making a forced landing in the sea off Sai Kung. All 12 people on board were rescued through the joint efforts of rescue boats and helicopters of the PLA, CMSARC, GFS, Marine Police and FSD.
More than 130 Search and Rescue experts from the Mainland, the US and other Southeast Asian countries including Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, watched the exercise.
"In accordance with Annex 12 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, the Civil Aviation Department organises annual search and rescue exercises to enhance the department's search and rescue capabilities. The exercises also give SAR experts in the region an opportunity to communicate and to exchange the latest SAR techniques," the spokesman said.
Aircraft occurrence report
10 August 2006
Cathay Pacific Flight CX719, Boeing 777, bound for Jakarta, returned to the Hong Kong International Airport as a precautionary measure after the pilot reported smoke in the cockpit today (August 10), a spokesman for the Civil Aviation Department said.
The B777 aircraft departed at 4.43pm today and landed safely at 4.54pm. Shortly after departure, the pilot requested to return immediately to the Hong Kong International Airport due to smoke observed in the cockpit. Airport Fire Contingent was put on full alert and air traffic controllers made arrangements for the aircraft to land via the shortest route. Other traffic was held off to give way to the emergency flight. There were 184 passengers on board with no casualty reported.
An investigation is being conducted into the incident by the airline. CAD will closely monitor the progress.
HK, Mainland China and Macao sign arrangement on aircraft maintenance organisations
2 June 2006
The Director-General of Civil Aviation, Mr Norman Lo, signed a cooperation arrangement on mutual acceptance of approval of aircraft maintenance organisations between the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC), Macao Civil Aviation Authority (AACM) and Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department (CAD) in Beijing today (June 2).
This cooperation arrangement is an expansion of a previous one signed in May 2002 (that covers only aircraft component maintenance) and the new arrangement includes entire aircraft maintenance.
The cooperation arrangement allows the maintenance organisations in Hong Kong, once recognised under the arrangement, to maintain aircraft registered in Mainland China and Macao without seeking additional approval from the CAAC and AACM respectively. Likewise, maintenance organisations in Mainland China and Macao may maintain aircraft registered in Hong Kong without additional approval from the CAD. The airline industry will also benefit from the arrangement as they can have more choices on their maintenance contractors. Through this arrangement, the reduction in duplication of approval and oversight activities maximises the utilisation of resources of both the regulators and the industry.
The CAD has entered into similar arrangements with Singapore and Canada and is in active discussions with the regulators in other countries to establish similar arrangements.
Government publishes B-HRX aircraft accident report
4 May 2006
The Government today (May 4) publishes the report of the investigation into an aircraft accident on August 26, 2003. The accident involved an EC155B1 helicopter operated by Government Flying Service. The pilot and the aircrewman were fatally injured.
Immediately after the accident, the Chief Inspector of Accidents ordered an Inspector's Investigation into the accident in accordance with the Hong Kong Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations. "The objective of the investigation was to determine the circumstances and the causes of the accident with a view to the preservation of life and the avoidance of accidents in the future. It is not for apportioning blame or liability," a government spokesman said.
The investigation was conducted by a team of trained accident investigators in strict adherence to the international standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. The investigation report analyses the circumstances of the accident, identifies possible causes, and makes nine recommendations to Government Flying Service, Civil Aviation Department and the manufacturer of the Personal Locator Beacon for further enhancing flight safety. These recommendations have all been accepted by the organisations concerned.
The report is available for downloading from the web-site of the Civil Aviation Department (http://www.cad.gov.hk). Copies of the report are also available for sale at the Publications Sales Unit of the Information Services Department in Room 402, Murray Building, Garden Road, Central.
New record for daily flight movements
15 April 2006
A total of 870 flight movements were handled at the Hong Kong International Airport on April 14 (Good Friday), setting a new daily record, a spokesman for the Civil Aviation Department said today (April 15).
The 870 flight movements represents an increase of about 13.4% compared with the daily average of 767 movements, breaking the previous single-day record of 853 flight movements on January 27, 2006. There were also 403 flight movements operated through the Hong Kong Flight Information Region on April 14, an increase of 8.6% compared with an average of 371 movements a day.
During this Easter holiday period, most of the extra flights operated by airlines are to destinations on the Mainland, and in Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia. Guangzhou is the most popular destination, followed by Bangkok and Osaka.
The increase of flight movements could be attributed to the heavy travel demand during the Easter holidays and the opening of the Guangzhou Trade Fair in mid-April. It also registered a robust growth in the air traffic operating to/from Hong Kong and through the Hong Kong Flight Information Region.
"The Civil Aviation Department is very encouraged by this new record which reinforces Hong Kong's status as an international and regional aviation hub. Our Air Traffic Control staff will continue to strive to provide a safe and efficient service to the air travelling public during the holiday peak traffic period," the spokesman added.
CAD responds to news report on departure tax
3 April 2006
In response to a news report about an airline's late payment of the Air Passenger Departure Tax, a spokesman for the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) made the following remarks:
Under the Air Passenger Departure Tax Ordinance (Cap. 140), airlines are responsible for the collection of the Air Passenger Departure Tax (APDT) from passengers and must pay the tax so collected to the Government. This arrangement has been working effectively.
CAD stated that Thai Sky Airlines, which operates charter flights between Hong Kong and Thailand, had defaulted the APDT payment to the Government on four occasions in the past three years. The airline subsequently settled each payment after CAD had served notices.
As the airline defaulted on the payment of APDT again in February 2006, CAD exercised the discretionary powers under section 7(4) of the Air Passenger Departure Tax Ordinance to demand a 5% additional charge. The outstanding APDT payment and the additional charge were settled on March 31.
CAD will vigilantly enforce the Air Passenger Departure Tax Ordinance and take appropriate action to ensure timely payment of the APDT from the operators.
Hong Kong signs aircraft maintenance MOU with Canada
23 March 2006
The Civil Aviation Department and the Transport Canada, Civil Aviation Directorate signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) known as "Technical Arrangement on Aircraft Maintenance" in Montreal on March 22 (Montreal time).
This MOU is an expansion of the memorandum signed in Hong Kong by both parties on December 5, 2005 and the new arrangement includes the mutual recognition of aircraft maintenance approval. It allows aircraft maintenance organisations in Hong Kong to provide maintenance service to aircraft registered in Canada without the need for additional approval from the Transport Canada, Civil Aviation Directorate (TCCA). Likewise, aircraft maintenance organisations in Canada may provide maintenance service to aircraft registered in Hong Kong.
The MOU was signed in Montreal by the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Mr Norman Lo, and the Director General of TCCA, Mr Merlin Preuss. Mr Lo said the reduction in the duplication of approval and oversight audit work by the authorities through the mutual recognition maximised the utilisation of resources of both the regulators and the industry. "This is extremely beneficial to the fast expanding aviation industry. It is one of our goals to extend the mutual recognition arrangement to other authorities in the foreseeable future," he said.
Mr Lo is currently leading a five-member CAD delegation in Montreal attending the Directors General of Civil Aviation Conference on Global Strategy for Aviation Safety from March 20 to 22.
CAD to hold exhibition of civil aviation development in Hong Kong
17 March 2006
In commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the Civil Aviation Department, the exhibition, "Development of Civil Aviation in Hong Kong", will be staged from March 23 to 28 at the Hong Kong Central Library.
Organised by the Civil Aviation Department (CAD), the exhibition traces the development of civil aviation in Hong Kong over the past six decades, focusing on airports, aircraft and the department, which was established in 1946.
The exhibition, which will include a collection of precious photographs and display of air traffic control equipment, will enable the public to enrich their knowledge of local civil aviation development and allow aviation enthusiasts to reminisce about the good old days.
A spokesman for the CAD said the six-day exhibition would also highlight the achievements of the department over the past 60 years. Through the exhibition, the department hopes to give the public a better understanding of its work, major developments and commitment to a safe and efficient air transport system.
The exhibition will be open from 10am to 8pm at Exhibition Gallery 5. Members of the public are welcome to visit the exhibition. Admission is free.
In connection with the exhibition, six lectures will be given on the theme "Professional Career Opportunities in Civil Aviation". Speakers will include representatives from the CAD, Cathay Pacific Airways and the Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited. The lectures will be held at the Lecture Theatre of the Hong Kong Central Library on March 23, March 27 and March 28. Free admission tickets will be distributed starting March 23 at the reception counter at Exhibition Gallery 5. Each person is entitled to collect two tickets only on a first-come, first-served basis while tickets last.
Details of the six lectures are as follows:
Date: March 23 (Thursday)
Time: 6.30pm - 7.45pm
Language: Cantonese
Date: March 23 (Thursday)
Time: 8.15pm - 9.30pm
Language: Cantonese
Date: March 27 (Monday)
Time: 1.45pm - 3pm
Language: Cantonese
Date: March 27 (Monday)
Time: 3.30pm - 4.45pm
Language: Cantonese
Date: March 28 (Tuesday)
Time: 1.45pm - 3pm
Language: Cantonese
Date: March 28 (Tuesday)
Time: 3.30pm - 4.45pm
Language: English
CAD hosts COSCAP-SEA Steering Committee Meeting
14 February 2006
The Civil Aviation Department hosts the seventh Meeting of the Co-operative Development of Operational Safety & Continuing Airworthiness Programme South East Asia (COSCAP-SEA) Steering Committee today (February 14) and tomorrow in Hong Kong.
The COSCAP-SEA is a not-for-profit association of civil aviation administrations within the South East Asia region. It was established under the umbrella of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Technical Co-operation Bureau to enhance flight safety on a sub-regional basis. Currently, 11 civil aviation administrations, including Hong Kong, are COSCAP-SEA members. The COSCAP-SEA is guided by a steering committee which meets annually to review the progress of the technical assistance provided by COSCAP-SEA to the members and to develop strategies to assist members to comply with the prevailing ICAO requirements. Apart from the 11 members, the US Federal Aviation Administration and the European Commission serve as the Associate Members while Airbus and Boeing take part in COSCAP-SEA Steering Committee in the capacity of Industry Partners.
More than 40 delegates from civil aviation administrations within the Southeast Asia region, international organisations and aircraft manufacturers attend this meeting. The delegates will discuss the latest ICAO development and requirements on language proficiency, safety management system and safety oversight audit.
New record for daily flight movements
1 February 2006
A total of 853 flight movements were handled at the Hong Kong International Airport on January 27, setting a new daily record, a spokesman for the Civil Aviation Department said today (February 1).
The 853 flight movements represents an increase of about 10% compared with an average of 775 movements a day, breaking the previous single-day record of 827 flight movements on October 28, 2005. There were also 437 flight movements operated through the Hong Kong Flight Information Region on January 27, a significant increase of 23% compared with an average of 355 movements a day.
The increase of flight movements could be attributed to the heavy travel demand during the Chinese New Year holidays. It also registered a robust growth in the air traffic operating to/from Hong Kong and through the Hong Kong Flight Information Region.
In 2005, 263,400 aircraft movements were handled at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and the through area traffic up to 125,700. They represented annual increases of 11% and 7.5% respectively. The air traffic growth in Hong Kong had been consistent since the opening of the HKIA in 1998, and the total flight movements of 389,100 handled in 2005 represented an increase of 65% since then.
"The Civil Aviation Department is very encouraged by this new record which reinforces Hong Kong's status as an international and regional aviation hub. The department will continue to accommodate the increased demand in traffic while maintaining the highest level of safety and efficiency. Our professional Air Traffic Controllers strive to provide a safe and efficient service to the air travelling public," the spokesman said.
Flight movements to break record on January 27
18 January 2006
A record high number of flight movements at the Hong Kong International Airport is expected to be achieved on January 27 (Friday), when 870 aircraft are scheduled to arrive and depart.
"The number of flight movements expected on January 27 represents an increase of about 12% compared with an average of 775 movements a day," a spokesman for the Civil Aviation Department said today (January 18).
To date, 20 airlines have submitted slot requests to operate 333 additional scheduled and ad-hoc charter flights (a total of 666 flight movements) from January 24 to February 9, with most applications falling between January 27 and January 31.
Airlines that have already submitted the requests plan to operate flights to 11 destinations in Northeast Asia, nine destinations on the Mainland, eight in Southeast Asia and one in Australia. Taipei is the most popular destination, followed by Bangkok, Seoul, Sapporo and Tokyo.
The previous record high of 827 flight movements in a single day occurred on October 28, 2005.
