2007
Airbus A380 fly-past over Victoria Harbour
3 September 2007
With the assistance of the Civil Aviation Department, the Airbus A380 this morning (September 3) successfully conducted a demonstration flight and fly-past over Victoria Harbour.
The A380 took off from the Hong Kong International Airport at 7.53am. The flight went over Tsing Ma Bridge before tracking through Victoria Harbour once at 1,300ft and then at 1,000ft. It then made an approach to overfly the south runway at 100 feet before returning to land at 8.53am.
Director-General of Civil Aviation Mr Norman Lo was pleased with the success of the demonstration flight. "The flight will help promote the image of Hong Kong as the Asia's World City and signified Hong Kong as an important aviation hub and a popular tourist destination," Mr Lo said.
The department had worked closely with Airbus two months before the flight to work out the flight path and a department safety officer was also on board this morning to ensure flight safety.
CAD hosting two-day meeting
30 August 2007
The Civil Aviation Department is hosting the First Steering Committee Meeting of the Co-operative Arrangement for Preventing the Spread of Communicable Diseases through Air Travel (CAPSCA) today (August 30) and tomorrow in Hong Kong at Two International Finance Centre.
The CAPSCA project was initiated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) with an aim of reducing the risk of spreading avian influenza and similar communicable diseases by air travel through co-operative arrangements among the participating states/administration and airports.
The two-day meeting provides a forum for aviation and medical experts to share experience in the implementation of the ICAO guidelines for preventing the spread of communicable disease through air travel and identify effective preventive measures. The delegates will also have a chance to visit the Hong Kong International Airport and see the measures and equipment that Hong Kong is adopting for preventing the spread of communicable diseases and pandemic planning.
"I am delighted that ICAO has taken an initiative in launching the CAPSCA project to co-ordinate the co-operative arrangements among members to reduce the risk of spreading of avian influenza and similar communicable diseases by air travellers," the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Mr Norman Lo, said at the opening session today.
Mr Lo said that in light of the rapid and widespread characteristics of avian influenza and its potential for a human pandemic, it was primarily important for states in the region to pool their experience and make concerted efforts to prevent its spread in order to minimise its impact on air travel.
About 60 delegates from 25 organisations, including the civil aviation administrations, ICAO, World Health Organisation, International Air Transport Association and Airports Council International have registered for the meeting.
At present, six civil aviation administrations - Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macao, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand - are CAPSCA members. Under the CAPSCA project, the ICAO will send experts to visit participating members' airports to ensure its guidelines for preventing the spread of communicable diseases are implemented by the relevant civil aviation authorities, airport authorities, health authorities and airlines.
In December 2006, the ICAO CAPSCA team visited Hong Kong and conducted an evaluation. The team concluded that the relevant policies, training and communication procedures at the Hong Kong International Airport fully complied with ICAO guidelines.
CAD hosts symposium on implementation of multi-crew pilot licence
23 August 2007
The Civil Aviation Department, in close consultation with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), is hosting a Regional Symposium on the Implementation of Multi-Crew Pilot Licence today (August 23) and tomorrow (August 24) in Hong Kong.
With the increasing use of air travel as a means of transportation around the world, and the consequent huge demand for airline pilots, the International Civil Aviation Organisation last November introduced a new class of pilot licence called Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL). Under MPL requirements, the ICAO anticipates that a new pilot training programme could be developed so that after a pilot candidate completes the training programme, he would be qualified to operate as a co-pilot of a multi-crew transport aircraft. In other words, competent airline pilots could be trained in a more effective and efficient manner to meet the rapidly changing demand of the aviation industry.
"The key objective of this regional symposium is to provide a forum for the civil aviation administrations and industry to exchange views and share experience in the implementation of the MPL requirements," a department spokesman said.
Director-General of Civil Aviation Mr Norman Lo said at the opening session that the aviation industry had experienced an unprecedented growth in recent years. "The establishment of MPL will be very instrumental in enlarging the supply of appropriately trained professional pilot workforce. The department is honoured to host this important symposium in Hong Kong."
Mr Lo said the department continued to work closely with the industry on the implementation of MPL in Hong Kong and would keep abreast of the latest developments in its implementation.
More than 110 delegates from more than 40 organisations are attending the two-day symposium, including the civil aviation administrations, ICAO, airlines, airline and pilot associations, flying training organisations, aircraft and flight simulator manufacturers.
Light plane in landing incident
8 July 2007
A single-engined light aircraft made an emergency landing on the Plover Cove Reservoir dam this morning (July 8), a spokesman for the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) said. No one was injured in the incident and the aircraft was not damaged.
This morning, a Cessna C152 fixed-wing light aircraft of the Hong Kong Aviation Club with two persons on board experienced an engine problem while on local flying practice over the New Territories. The pilot immediately informed the Air Traffic Control Tower and made an emergency landing. The aircraft landed safely on the Plover Cove Reservoir dam at 9.39am.
The aircraft will later be transported back to the hangar at Sek Kong for thorough examination. The CAD has required the operator to submit a detailed report on the occurrence and will investigate into the cause of the engine problem to prevent recurrence.
CAD hosts Aeronautical Telecommunication Network Implementation Co-ordination Meeting
28 May 2007
The Civil Aviation Department is hosting the Second International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Aeronautical Telecommunication Network Implementation Co-ordination Group Meeting for Asia and Pacific Region.
The five-day meeting provided a forum for aviation experts to exchange views on the latest developments in aeronautical telecommunication. Topics of the meeting included the implementation and co-ordination of the Aeronautical Telecommunication Network (ATN) and Air Traffic Services Messages Handling System (AMHS) in the Asia Pacific Region, the AMHS address database and address management, regional guidance material, strategy and implementation time line.
"We are pleased to host this international meeting for the first time in Hong Kong which fosters co-operation for the advancement of aviation technology in the region," Director-General of Civil Aviation Mr Norman Lo said at the opening session today (May 28).
Mr Lo said global air traffic had been increasing rapidly in the past few years. To sustain a safe and efficient air transport system, the Civil Aviation Department would continue to introduce the use of new enabling technologies.
About 80 delegates from the Air Traffic Services authorities of 20 ICAO Contracting States in the Asia Pacific Region, and representatives from international organisations and aviation industry are attending the meeting from today to June 1 at Two International Finance Centre.
The ICAO has targeted the implementation of the ATN and AMHS in the Asia Pacific Region by 2009 to gradually replace the existing Aeronautical Fixed telecommunication Network (AFTN) with the ATN and AMHS infrastructure.
The ATN is an "aviation internet" which provides a global data communication networking infrastructure for exchange of data and graphics among the Air Traffic Services authorities, aircraft and other aviation stakeholders.
Government Publishes B-HJS Aircraft Accident Report
2 May 2007
The Government today (May 2) published a report of the investigation into an aircraft accident on June 11, 2005. The accident involved a private helicopter flight by a Robinson R44 helicopter operated by Topjet Aviation Limited. The pilot and two passengers suffered serious injuries in the accident while another passenger was uninjured.
"After the accident, the Chief Inspector of Accidents ordered an Inspector's investigation 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 preservation of life and the avoidance of accidents in the future. It was 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 contains an analysis of the circumstances of the accident, identifies the cause of the accident, and makes two safety recommendations. Throughout the accident investigation, all concerned parties were given ample opportunity to comment on the findings of the report.
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 purchase at the Publications Sales Unit of the Information Services Department in Room 402, Murray Building, Garden Road, Central.
New record for daily flight movements
6 Apr 2007
A total of 891 flight movements were handled at the Hong Kong International Airport by the Air Traffic Control staff of the Civil Aviation Department yesterday (April 5), setting a new daily record, a spokesman for the department said today (April 6).
"The daily flight movements hit a new record for the second time this year. The Civil Aviation Department is expecting a continuous growth in air traffic which will strengthen Hong Kong's status as an international and regional aviation hub," the spokesman said.
The 891 flight movements recorded yesterday exceeded the daily average of 780 movements by 14.2%, breaking the previous single-day record of 872 flight movements on February 16, 2007. There were also 443 flight movements operated through the Hong Kong Flight Information Region yesterday, exceeding the daily average of 406 movements by 9.1%.
During this Easter holiday period, most of the extra flights operated by airlines were to destinations on the Mainland, and in Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia. Bangkok was the most popular destination, followed by Kunming and Osaka. The increase in flight movements was attributed to the heavy travel demand during the Easter holidays.
Smooth start for new cabin baggage security measures
21 March 2007
Operation of the Hong Kong International Airport remained
normal on the first day of new security measures for cabin
baggage with no disruption to flight services, a spokesman
for the Civil Aviation Department said today (March 21).
The Civil Aviation Department imposed new security measures for screening liquids, gels and aerosols in cabin baggage for all departing flights from the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) starting from today. The new measures were implemented to comply with the new guidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
"The department is pleased that with the concerted efforts from the relevant organisations especially the Airport Authority Hong Kong, the Aviation Security Company Limited and airlines, the new security measures were implemented smoothly at the Hong Kong International Airport. The department also expresses gratitude to all passengers for their co-operation and patience," the spokesman said.
Passengers are reminded to take note of the new security requirements and arrive at the airport early for check-in, allowing enough time to go through security process, especially during the coming Easter holiday period. We strongly advise the travelling public to pack liquids, gels and aerosols that they do not need while on board the aircraft into their hold baggage before they come to the airport.
The new security measures for cabin baggage implemented at HKIA include:
1. All liquids, gels, aerosols in cabin baggage must be carried in containers with a maximum capacity of 100 ml. Liquids, gels, aerosols carried in containers larger than 100 ml will not be accepted, even if the container is only part-filled;
2. Containers must be in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag of a maximum capacity of one litre. The containers must fit comfortably within the transparent plastic bag, which should be completely closed;
3. The plastic bag has to be presented separately from other cabin baggage for visual examination at the screening point. Only one transparent plastic bag per passenger is permitted; and
4. Exemptions will be made for medications, baby milk/food and special dietary requirements subject to verification.
New security measures for cabin baggage to be implemented at Hong Kong International Airport
27 February 2007
The Civil Aviation Department will impose new security measures for screening liquids, gels and aerosols in cabin baggage for all departing flights from the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) from March 21. The new measures are being implemented to comply with the new guidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The Chief Operations Officer of the Civil Aviation Department, Mr Simon Li, and Head of Safety, Security, Environmental and Planning Services of the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) Mr John Lamond outlined the new security measures at a press briefing today (February 27).
Mr Li said that for the safety of passengers, ICAO had recommended for adoption by States a set of new security control guidelines for screening liquids, gels and aerosols carried in cabin baggage. The guidelines were formulated by ICAO in light of a terrorist plot to smuggle liquid explosives onto aircraft which was foiled by the UK Government in August, 2006.
The new security measures for cabin baggage to be implemented at HKIA include:
1. All liquids, gels, aerosols in cabin baggage must be carried in containers with a capacity not greater than 100 ml. Liquids, gels, aerosols carried in containers larger than 100 ml will not be accepted, even if the container is only part-filled;
2. Containers have to be placed in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag of a maximum capacity not exceeding one litre. The containers must fit comfortably within the transparent plastic bag, which should be completely closed;
3. The plastic bag has to be presented separately from other cabin baggage for visual examination at the screening point. Only one transparent plastic bag per passenger is permitted; and
4. Exemptions will be made for medications, baby milk/food and special dietary requirements subject to verification.
Explaining the details of enhanced security restrictions and operational readiness at HKIA, Mr Li said that as part of the global efforts, the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region was committed to complying with the ICAO standards and recommended practises. "All passengers at HKIA will be subject to the new cabin baggage restrictions and are asked to be patient with the enhanced procedures in place."
Mr Lamond said the Airport Authority was committed to upholding the highest standard of safety and security. "We will continue to work closely with our services provider, i.e. the Aviation Security Company Limited (AVSECO), to ensure sufficient manpower and related facilities are in place to facilitate the implementation of the new security measures directed by the Civil Aviation Department."
The travelling public may consult their airlines and visit the websites of the department and AAHK (www.cad.gov.hk and www.hongkongairport.com(Open with new window)) for information in relation to the new security measures at HKIA.
New record for daily flight movements
21 February 2007
A total of 872 flight movements were handled at the Hong Kong International Airport on February 16, setting a new daily record, a spokesman for the Civil Aviation Department said today (February 21).
The 872 flight movements exceeded the daily average of 780 movements by 11.8%, breaking the previous single-day record of 870 flight movements on April 14, 2006. There were also 500 flight movements operated through the Hong Kong Flight Information Region on February 16, exceeding the daily average of 406 movements by 23%.
During this Lunar New Year holiday period, most of the extra flights operated by airlines were to destinations on the Mainland, and in Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia. Taipei was the most popular destination, followed by Guilin and Bangkok.
Buoyed by the robust economy in the region, the increase in flight movements was attributed to the heavy travel demand during the Lunar New Year holidays. A strong growth was also registered in the air traffic operating to/from Hong Kong and through the Hong Kong Flight Information Region.
In 2006, 280,492 aircraft movements were handled at the Hong Kong International Airport and the overflight traffic hit a record of 139,714 movements. They represented a respective annual increases of 6.4% and 11.2%.
"The Civil Aviation Department is encouraged by this new record. The steady growth in air traffic will strengthen Hong Kong's status as an international and regional aviation hub.
"As always, our Air Traffic Control staff will continue to strive to provide a safe and efficient service to the air travelling public," the spokesman said.
Adjustments to Aviation Passenger Fuel Surcharge
18 January 2007
The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) approved today (January 18) the adjustments to the passenger fuel surcharges levied by six airlines from the present levels of $113 per passenger (for short haul flights) and $466 (for long haul flights) to $106 and $438 respectively. These represent a decrease of about 6%. The six airlines were Cathay Pacific Airways, Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Hong Kong Dragon Airlines and Xiamen Airlines. At the same time, CAD also approved another four airlines, namely, Jetstar Asia, Pakistan International Airlines, Royal Nepal Airlines and Saudi Arabian Airlines, to maintain their existing levels of fuel surcharges at $40 (for short haul flights) and $117 to $240 (for long haul flights). The newly approved surcharges will take effect from February 1.
Fuel surcharge is a type of aviation tariff which requires the approval of the relevant aeronautical authorities before it could be levied. When approving applications for levying fuel surcharges, CAD would take into account changes in the prices of aviation fuel, the justifications provided by the airline operators and other relevant factors such as the charges levied by the other airlines.
"When approving fuel surcharges, CAD would ensure that the revenue so generated would not exceed the additional costs borne by the airline operators due to increased oil prices during the corresponding period," a CAD spokesman said.
Given the fluctuation in oil prices, CAD has only approved fuel surcharges to be levied on a short term basis. The newly approved charges will only be valid till March 31.
At present, the average fuel surcharges between major international destinations are at the levels of about $260 per passenger (short haul) and $560 (long haul), whereas the charges by the major Mainland operators to international destinations (other than Hong Kong) are about $310 per passenger (short haul) and $470 (long haul).
"When compared with the general amounts of surcharge at the international level as well as those levied by Mainland operators, the surcharges on local routes are already set at a reasonable level," said the CAD spokesman.
