Airport Standards

About

The Airport Standards Division (APSD) is responsible for the regulatory functions in respect of airport safety, aviation security, control of obstructions, and safe transport of dangerous goods by air. The division also facilitates the development of heliports, monitors the safety and security of heliport operations, assesses and oversees the development of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) Two-Runway System (2RS) and its expansion including the Three-Runway System (3RS), and assumes the role in coordinating airport facilitation.

Airport Safety

Aerodrome Licensing

The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) is granted an aerodrome licence by the CAD to operate the HKIA. The APSD continued to exercise safety oversight on the performance of the AAHK to ensure its compliance with the aerodrome licensing requirements.

The division carried out 14 audits and 130 inspections during the year covering both ad-hoc and scheduled airside maintenance works, conditions of airfield pavements, visual aids, other facilities required for aircraft operations, implementation of the Safety Management System, emergency planning, airport rescue and firefighting services, aircraft ground operations provided by the AAHK and its ground handling agents, as well as airfield expansion and enhancement projects. The division also participated in the franchisee audits carried out by the AAHK and monitored investigation of aircraft ground incidents to ensure that effective oversight was duly exercised by the AAHK on franchisees' safety performance and appropriate corrective measures had been taken by responsible parties to prevent recurrence.

Several large-scale airfield maintenance projects were undertaken by the AAHK during the year. The pavement resurfacing works for the taxiways started in October 2019 and was planned to complete in August 2021. The AAHK’s phased replacement of the fluorescent lighting boxes of the movement area guidance signs with LED lighting boxes started in March 2019 and was completed in February 2021. To enhance the durability of runway stop bar lights for extended operation hours, the AAHK started to replace the stop bar lights with LED lights. The project began in January 2019 and was scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2022. Besides, in preparation for the commissioning of Sky Bridge, the Terminal 1 (T1) and T1 Satellite Concourse parking stand and boarding gate renumbering, which involved parking stand marking repainting works and stand number indicator replacement works, was completed in March 2021. To safeguard aviation safety and minimise the disruption to normal airport operations, the division closely supervised the progress, conducted inspections and provided the AAHK with regulatory advice from time to time on these works. The final phase of the Midfield Apron Development Project involving the construction of one new taxilane and nine additional remote parking stands was completed in phases in the second half of 2020. Prior to the commissioning of the new facilities, the APSD closely liaised with the AAHK and conducted on-site inspections to secure that the design, facilities provision and operations conform with the aerodrome licensing requirements.

APSD officers conducted site inspections on runway resurfacing works to ensure their compliance with aerodrome licensing requirements.
APSD officers conducted site inspections on runway resurfacing works to ensure their compliance with aerodrome licensing requirements.
In preparation for the commissioning of Sky Bridge, Terminal 1 and T1 Satellite Concourse parking stand and boarding gate renumbering was completed in March 2021.
In preparation for the commissioning of Sky Bridge, Terminal 1 and T1 Satellite Concourse parking stand and boarding gate renumbering was completed in March 2021.

The baggage conveyance by Autonomous Electric Tractors (AETs) between baggage halls of T1 and SkyPier commenced in October 2020. Since 2019, the AAHK has adopted a phased approach in implementing AETs for baggage conveyance, including two phases of trials conducted at non-apron road and apron road sections of the route respectively to test the safety features of the AETs and its handling of different traffic conditions. In order to secure aerodrome operational efficiency and safety, the APSD provided regulatory advice during these trials.

Autonomous electric tractor was departing from the SkyPier and heading towards the Baggage Hall at Terminal 1.
Autonomous electric tractor was departing from the SkyPier and heading towards the Baggage Hall at Terminal 1.

To accommodate the surge in demand for aircraft parking positions as a result of reduction in air transport services due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the AAHK worked closely with the CAD in implementing a contingency parking plan for long layover aircraft at the HKIA. A number of taxiways and taxilanes were designated as contingency parking positions and occupied by long layover aircraft between February and November 2020. In formulating the contingency parking plan, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) on aircraft clearance were adopted as the basis of design of aircraft separation. In order to protect aircraft parked on taxiways and taxilanes from strong wind during typhoon, additional safeguarding measures were developed with reference to wind data obtained from previous typhoons and aircraft wind resilience characteristics as advised by aircraft manufacturers. With close coordination and joint efforts among the CAD, Hong Kong Observatory, AAHK, Hong Kong registered aircraft operators and ground handling agents, contingency parking plan and typhoon safeguarding measures had been implemented in an effective manner.

For the purpose of testing the emergency response procedures and enhancing the coordination between the aerodrome operator and relevant responding parties when dealing with aircraft accidents, the AAHK conducted a number of drills and exercises throughout the year. The APSD actively participated in the planning meetings and conducted regular inspections on these drills and exercises. One of them was a full-scale aircraft crash exercise conducted in November 2020. The exercise simulated a rescue operation for an arrival Airbus A320 aircraft, of which the nose gear collapsed when landing and the chemicals on board leaked into the aircraft cabin. Different responding parties, including the AAHK, relevant government departments and participating airline, took part in the exercise to test the emergency procedures and responses in handling aircraft accident, and chemical leakage and contamination. The division oversaw the preparation and operation of the exercise and provided regulatory advice for the AAHK and relevant responding parties to further enhance the emergency procedures and responses.

On-site decontamination procedures for passengers were simulated during the full-scale aircraft crash exercise conducted in November 2020.
On-site decontamination procedures for passengers were simulated during the full-scale aircraft crash exercise conducted in November 2020.

The APSD carried on scrutinising the AAHK's aerodrome safety management activities to ensure adherence to ICAO SARPs. During the year, the AAHK updated their risk assessment register for the new airfield development projects and procedures to record those risks arising from changes to existing operational environment. The AAHK also regularly organised safety awareness workshops and safety promotion activities for their staff. The division provided regulatory advice on the maintenance of the risk assessment register and the safety management and promotion activities for the AAHK to continuously enhance its safety management system.

Safety Regulation

Heliport Operations and Development

The APSD kept monitoring the safety of heliport operations and providing regulatory advice on the planning and design of heliports in Hong Kong. The division has also been tasked to facilitate the development of cross-boundary helicopter services between the Greater Bay Area and Hong Kong.

It was announced in the Chief Executive’s 2020 Policy Address that the Civil Aviation Administration of China had agreed to commence preparation for the provision of cross-boundary commercial helicopter services between Guangdong and Hong Kong. The division, together with the Transport and Housing Bureau, will continue to liaise with the Mainland counterparts to take forward the development with a view to expanding cross-boundary helicopter services between Hong Kong and cities in Guangdong Province.

During the year, the construction of the Government Flying Service Kai Tak Division at the ex-Kai Tak Runway Tip proceeded. To ensure that the heliport facilities fully comply with the latest international standards, the APSD continued to provide technical advice on heliport design, taking into account the possibility of co-locating commercial cross-boundary helicopter services at this location in the future.

Control of Obstructions

Airport Height Restrictions (AHR) are established to protect aircraft flight paths and radio navigational aids. The APSD assessed and provided regulatory advice on various building and development projects and feasibility studies to ensure their observance of the AHR requirements under the existing 2RS operations and the forthcoming 3RS operations and other applicable aviation safety requirements. The major development project and study outside the HKIA assessed during the year included the Airport City Link Development. The major development projects within the HKIA assessed included the Sky Bridge Development, Reclamation and Construction Works for the Expansion of the HKIA into a 3RS. In addition, regarding the AAHK’s project to expand the HKIA into a 3RS, the division provided regulatory advice on the AHR requirements and the associated Marine Exclusion Zones (MEZs) for an expanded airport system in order to safeguard aviation safety of the flight paths.

As the reclamation works and construction works to expand the HKIA into a 3RS at the waters around the HKIA proceeded, a large number of working vessels and machinery were deployed by contractors to work in close proximity to the HKIA. The APSD enforced the requirement for the AAHK, its project consultants and contractors to utilise the vessel/machinery height monitoring system in checking the highest altitude of vessels/machinery working at the reclamation and works sites near the HKIA and enhancing the contractor's observance of the AHR requirements. This arrangement was particularly important for the division's consideration of applications for temporary AHR exemption involving high air draft vessels and tall machinery. The APSD kept a close watch on the performance of contractors in observing the AHR requirements for submission and implementation of corresponding improvement measures as and when necessary. The division also participated in various meetings with the AAHK's project consultants and contractors, and offered regulatory advice from time to time to ensure that the construction methods including the choice of construction plants would fully comply with the AHR requirements.

This year, the division issued 520 temporary AHR exemptions for the construction works in the territory and vessel operations in the vicinity of the Airport Island, of which 439 were associated with the reclamation and land-based works for the expansion of the HKIA into a 3RS, and the remaining 81 issued to other small-scale or one-off operations.

With the assistance of the Marine Department (MD), the APSD continued to ensure integrity of the MEZs established in the vicinity of the Airport Island to safeguard the operation of aircraft and radio navigational aids. During the year, three prosecutions against illegal entry into the MEZs were instituted by the MD.

HKIA Expansion into 3RS Operations

While the AAHK is pursuing detailed design and commissioning of the HKIA airport expansion into 3RS operations, the APSD has undertaken monitoring of the airport expansion to ensure that the 3RS related project works fully abide by the relevant ICAO requirements on aerodrome. The division also worked closely with the AAHK and other government departments to formulate the expanded AHR requirements and associated regulation of marine traffic for the purpose of safeguarding the future 3RS operations.

Prohibition of Lights Endangering Aircraft Operation

To safeguard aviation safety from being compromised, the APSD kept overseeing and giving regulatory advice on the use of lasers, search lights and firework displays at different shows such as "A Symphony of Lights" as well as other lighting displays at building facades, especially illuminated advertisement signs.

General Aviation Activities

The APSD continued to monitor the safety of recreational aviation activities, including paragliding, kite flying and model aircraft operations, to ensure that these activities were conducted in adherence to applicable aviation safety regulations and would not affect civil aircraft operations.

Carriage of Dangerous Goods

The Dangerous Goods Office (DGO) of the APSD regulates the transport of dangerous goods by air based on ICAO and local legal requirements. The DGO has established a dangerous goods permission system whereby airlines which satisfy all pertinent safety requirements will be granted a permission to carry dangerous goods to, from or over Hong Kong. During the year, 38 new and 55 renewal applications for dangerous goods permissions were processed. At the end of March 2021, 129 airlines have been granted permissions. The office also approved 43 organisations for conducting dangerous goods training programmes for airlines, aviation security service providers, air cargo terminals, freight forwarders and shippers. The DGO conducted regular and ad-hoc inspections to airlines, air cargo terminals, freight forwarders, shippers and training organisations to ascertain their compliance with the safety requirements on air transport of dangerous goods. For any non-compliance identified during inspections, the concerned entities were required to submit and implement corrective action plans to the CAD’s satisfaction to prevent recurrence.

APSD officers conducted inspection on dangerous goods cargo in air cargo terminal.
APSD officers conducted inspection on dangerous goods cargo in air cargo terminal.

Promulgation of Safety Requirements

To enhance the awareness of the industry and the public of the safety requirements on air transport of dangerous goods, the DGO sustained its efforts to promulgate the safety requirements through various means. During the year, the DGO distributed leaflets and posters, reviewed and updated the Department's website, promoted safety requirements on air transport of dangerous goods when replying enquiries, and constantly reminded the industry to abide by the relevant safety requirements. In addition, the DGO issued an advisory circular to the air cargo industry during the year to remind the industry of the requirements concerning air transport of lithium batteries and alcohol-based sanitisers in cargo. Furthermore, in response to the outbreak of COVID-19, the DGO updated the “Packing Tips for Air Passenger”, which is promulgated on the CAD website to include information on the carriage of alcohol-based sanitisers, alcohol wipes, etc., for easy reference by passengers and crew.

Legislation

To align the two sets of local legislation with the latest requirements of ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, the DGO initiated the related legislative amendment process during the year with the support of the air cargo industry. The legislative amendments which included primarily changes to the requirements on dangerous goods training for employees of aircraft operators, shippers and freight forwarders are targeted to take effect from 2 July 2021.

Dangerous Goods Incidents

The incidents which occurred in the year were mainly related to undeclared dangerous goods in air cargo. The DGO conducted investigations into all these incidents to prevent recurrence. The CAD has also been taking prosecution actions against the concerned entities that were found contravening the dangerous goods legislation. In close cooperation with the air cargo industry, the implementation of the enhanced control, surveillance and inspection measures for safe transport of dangerous goods by air forged ahead with its regulatory efforts in managing undeclared and misdeclared dangerous goods occurrences. In addition, useful incident information was disseminated to the air cargo industry in Hong Kong and other aviation authorities.

Aviation Security

Security Oversight of Operators at HKIA

The APSD ensured that the AAHK and the operators at the HKIA, including tenant restricted area operators, aircraft operators and aircraft catering supplies and stores operators, complied with the requirements in the Hong Kong Aviation Security Programme through audits and inspections.

HKIA Developments

During the report period, the division processed five proposals of restricted area designations of the HKIA under the Aviation Security Ordinance. The designations included the reclamation filling adjacent to the existing northern seawall at the HKIA, new retail units at Terminal 1 departure east hall, enlargement of the steel platform for the automated arrival baggage delivery system, expansion of Terminal 2 and renovation of Government VIP and HKIA VIP Lounges. The division conducted site assessments to confirm that adequate security control measures were provided for the protection of the re-designated restricted areas. The division also worked with the AAHK in the 3RS related projects and other facility development projects to ensure that they complied with the relevant aviation security requirements.

APSD officers inspected the reclamation filling adjacent to existing northern seawall at the Hong Kong International Airport.
APSD officers inspected the reclamation filling adjacent to existing northern seawall at the Hong Kong International Airport.
APSD officers inspected the expansion works of Terminal 2.
APSD officers inspected the expansion works of Terminal 2.

Air Cargo Security

Under the Regulated Agent Regime (RAR), a cargo agent registered as a Regulated Agent (RA) with the CAD is required to provide security control measures on consignments of air cargo. As at 31 March 2021, there were over 1 400 RAs registered with the CAD. The APSD kept supervising the compliance of the RAs with the requirements of RAR through regular inspections, and required them to submit and implement corresponding corrective action plans when any non-compliance was identified.

Pursuant to a new policy direction announced by ICAO on air cargo security, during the year the division made headway to implement the Regulated Air Cargo Screening Facility (RACSF) scheme to facilitate air cargo screening at off-airport locations. This measure not only increases Hong Kong's overall screening capacity for export air cargo, but also enhances air cargo security through achieving 100 per cent security screening for export air cargo. As at 31 March 2021, there were over 130 RACSFs registered with the CAD.

The division has been proactively co-ordinating the efforts of the air cargo industry, which actively supported to achieve smooth and gradual implementation of the new policy direction of ICAO in order to maintain Hong Kong’s leading position as an international air cargo hub.

APSD officer inspected the CCTV records of a Regulated Air Cargo Screening Facility.
APSD officer inspected the CCTV records of a Regulated Air Cargo Screening Facility.

Facilitation

Through the Hong Kong Air Transport Facilitation Committee, the APSD kept overseeing the implementation of the SARPs of ICAO Annex 9 at the HKIA and coordinating senior management of relevant government departments, agencies and other organisations on facilitation activities at strategic level. The committee convened in May 2020 and March 2021 to discuss the latest development of digital health pass and the recovery of air transport services in the midst of COVID-19. Besides, to facilitate crew members of Hong Kong registered aircraft operators in discharging their flight duties, the APSD issued Crew Member Certificates (CMC) in accordance with ICAO Annex 9. Due to the expiry of the CMC in December 2020, 17 055 CMC were issued in its replacement exercise during the year.

International Activities

The APSD continued to communicate with overseas aviation authorities to share information on best practices of security measures for enhancing aviation security in Hong Kong, and participate in international meetings and programmes for monitoring the development of aviation security measures.

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Airport Standards

About

The Airport Standards Division (APSD) is responsible for the regulatory functions in respect of airport safety, aviation security, control of obstructions, and safe transport of dangerous goods by air. The division also facilitates the development of heliports, monitors the safety and security of heliport operations, assesses and oversees the development of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) Two-Runway System (2RS) and its expansion including the Three-Runway System (3RS), and assumes the role in coordinating airport facilitation.

Airport Safety

Aerodrome Licensing

The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) is granted an aerodrome licence by the CAD to operate the HKIA. The APSD continued to exercise safety oversight on the performance of the AAHK to ensure its compliance with the aerodrome licensing requirements.

The division carried out 14 audits and 130 inspections during the year covering both ad-hoc and scheduled airside maintenance works, conditions of airfield pavements, visual aids, other facilities required for aircraft operations, implementation of the Safety Management System, emergency planning, airport rescue and firefighting services, aircraft ground operations provided by the AAHK and its ground handling agents, as well as airfield expansion and enhancement projects. The division also participated in the franchisee audits carried out by the AAHK and monitored investigation of aircraft ground incidents to ensure that effective oversight was duly exercised by the AAHK on franchisees' safety performance and appropriate corrective measures had been taken by responsible parties to prevent recurrence.

Several large-scale airfield maintenance projects were undertaken by the AAHK during the year. The pavement resurfacing works for the taxiways started in October 2019 and was planned to complete in August 2021. The AAHK’s phased replacement of the fluorescent lighting boxes of the movement area guidance signs with LED lighting boxes started in March 2019 and was completed in February 2021. To enhance the durability of runway stop bar lights for extended operation hours, the AAHK started to replace the stop bar lights with LED lights. The project began in January 2019 and was scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2022. Besides, in preparation for the commissioning of Sky Bridge, the Terminal 1 (T1) and T1 Satellite Concourse parking stand and boarding gate renumbering, which involved parking stand marking repainting works and stand number indicator replacement works, was completed in March 2021. To safeguard aviation safety and minimise the disruption to normal airport operations, the division closely supervised the progress, conducted inspections and provided the AAHK with regulatory advice from time to time on these works. The final phase of the Midfield Apron Development Project involving the construction of one new taxilane and nine additional remote parking stands was completed in phases in the second half of 2020. Prior to the commissioning of the new facilities, the APSD closely liaised with the AAHK and conducted on-site inspections to secure that the design, facilities provision and operations conform with the aerodrome licensing requirements.

APSD officers conducted site inspections on runway resurfacing works to ensure their compliance with aerodrome licensing requirements.
APSD officers conducted site inspections on runway resurfacing works to ensure their compliance with aerodrome licensing requirements.
In preparation for the commissioning of Sky Bridge, Terminal 1 and North Satellite Concourse parking stand and boarding gate renumbering was completed in March 2021.
In preparation for the commissioning of Sky Bridge, Terminal 1 and North Satellite Concourse parking stand and boarding gate renumbering was completed in March 2021.

The baggage conveyance by Autonomous Electric Tractors (AETs) between baggage halls of T1 and SkyPier commenced in October 2020. Since 2019, the AAHK has adopted a phased approach in implementing AETs for baggage conveyance, including two phases of trials conducted at non-apron road and apron road sections of the route respectively to test the safety features of the AETs and its handling of different traffic conditions. In order to secure aerodrome operational efficiency and safety, the APSD provided regulatory advice during these trials.

Autonomous electric tractor was departing from the SkyPier and heading towards the Baggage Hall at Terminal 1.
Autonomous electric tractor was departing from the SkyPier and heading towards the Baggage Hall at Terminal 1.

To accommodate the surge in demand for aircraft parking positions as a result of reduction in air transport services due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the AAHK worked closely with the CAD in implementing a contingency parking plan for long layover aircraft at the HKIA. A number of taxiways and taxilanes were designated as contingency parking positions and occupied by long layover aircraft between February and November 2020. In formulating the contingency parking plan, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) on aircraft clearance were adopted as the basis of design of aircraft separation. In order to protect aircraft parked on taxiways and taxilanes from strong wind during typhoon, additional safeguarding measures were developed with reference to wind data obtained from previous typhoons and aircraft wind resilience characteristics as advised by aircraft manufacturers. With close coordination and joint efforts among the CAD, Hong Kong Observatory, AAHK, Hong Kong registered aircraft operators and ground handling agents, contingency parking plan and typhoon safeguarding measures had been implemented in an effective manner.

For the purpose of testing the emergency response procedures and enhancing the coordination between the aerodrome operator and relevant responding parties when dealing with aircraft accidents, the AAHK conducted a number of drills and exercises throughout the year. The APSD actively participated in the planning meetings and conducted regular inspections on these drills and exercises. One of them was a full-scale aircraft crash exercise conducted in November 2020. The exercise simulated a rescue operation for an arrival Airbus A320 aircraft, of which the nose gear collapsed when landing and the chemicals on board leaked into the aircraft cabin. Different responding parties, including the AAHK, relevant government departments and participating airline, took part in the exercise to test the emergency procedures and responses in handling aircraft accident, and chemical leakage and contamination. The division oversaw the preparation and operation of the exercise and provided regulatory advice for the AAHK and relevant responding parties to further enhance the emergency procedures and responses.

On-site decontamination procedures for passengers were simulated during the full-scale aircraft crash exercise conducted in November 2020.
On-site decontamination procedures for passengers were simulated during the full-scale aircraft crash exercise conducted in November 2020.

The APSD carried on scrutinising the AAHK's aerodrome safety management activities to ensure adherence to ICAO SARPs. During the year, the AAHK updated their risk assessment register for the new airfield development projects and procedures to record those risks arising from changes to existing operational environment. The AAHK also regularly organised safety awareness workshops and safety promotion activities for their staff. The division provided regulatory advice on the maintenance of the risk assessment register and the safety management and promotion activities for the AAHK to continuously enhance its safety management system.

Safety Regulation

Heliport Operations and Development

The APSD kept monitoring the safety of heliport operations and providing regulatory advice on the planning and design of heliports in Hong Kong. The division has also been tasked to facilitate the development of cross-boundary helicopter services between the Greater Bay Area and Hong Kong.

It was announced in the Chief Executive’s 2020 Policy Address that the Civil Aviation Administration of China had agreed to commence preparation for the provision of cross-boundary commercial helicopter services between Guangdong and Hong Kong. The division, together with the Transport and Housing Bureau, will continue to liaise with the Mainland counterparts to take forward the development with a view to expanding cross-boundary helicopter services between Hong Kong and cities in Guangdong Province.

During the year, the construction of the Government Flying Service Kai Tak Division at the ex-Kai Tak Runway Tip proceeded. To ensure that the heliport facilities fully comply with the latest international standards, the APSD continued to provide technical advice on heliport design, taking into account the possibility of co-locating commercial cross-boundary helicopter services at this location in the future.

Control of Obstructions

Airport Height Restrictions (AHR) are established to protect aircraft flight paths and radio navigational aids. The APSD assessed and provided regulatory advice on various building and development projects and feasibility studies to ensure their observance of the AHR requirements under the existing 2RS operations and the forthcoming 3RS operations and other applicable aviation safety requirements. The major development project and study outside the HKIA assessed during the year included the Airport City Link Development. The major development projects within the HKIA assessed included the Sky Bridge Development, Reclamation and Construction Works for the Expansion of the HKIA into a 3RS. In addition, regarding the AAHK’s project to expand the HKIA into a 3RS, the division provided regulatory advice on the AHR requirements and the associated Marine Exclusion Zones (MEZs) for an expanded airport system in order to safeguard aviation safety of the flight paths.

As the reclamation works and construction works to expand the HKIA into a 3RS at the waters around the HKIA proceeded, a large number of working vessels and machinery were deployed by contractors to work in close proximity to the HKIA. The APSD enforced the requirement for the AAHK, its project consultants and contractors to utilise the vessel/machinery height monitoring system in checking the highest altitude of vessels/machinery working at the reclamation and works sites near the HKIA and enhancing the contractor's observance of the AHR requirements. This arrangement was particularly important for the division's consideration of applications for temporary AHR exemption involving high air draft vessels and tall machinery. The APSD kept a close watch on the performance of contractors in observing the AHR requirements for submission and implementation of corresponding improvement measures as and when necessary. The division also participated in various meetings with the AAHK's project consultants and contractors, and offered regulatory advice from time to time to ensure that the construction methods including the choice of construction plants would fully comply with the AHR requirements.

This year, the division issued 520 temporary AHR exemptions for the construction works in the territory and vessel operations in the vicinity of the Airport Island, of which 439 were associated with the reclamation and land-based works for the expansion of the HKIA into a 3RS, and the remaining 81 issued to other small-scale or one-off operations.

With the assistance of the Marine Department (MD), the APSD continued to ensure integrity of the MEZs established in the vicinity of the Airport Island to safeguard the operation of aircraft and radio navigational aids. During the year, three prosecutions against illegal entry into the MEZs were instituted by the MD.

HKIA Expansion into 3RS Operations

While the AAHK is pursuing detailed design and commissioning of the HKIA airport expansion into 3RS operations, the APSD has undertaken monitoring of the airport expansion to ensure that the 3RS related project works fully abide by the relevant ICAO requirements on aerodrome. The division also worked closely with the AAHK and other government departments to formulate the expanded AHR requirements and associated regulation of marine traffic for the purpose of safeguarding the future 3RS operations.

Prohibition of Lights Endangering Aircraft Operation

To safeguard aviation safety from being compromised, the APSD kept overseeing and giving regulatory advice on the use of lasers, search lights and firework displays at different shows such as "A Symphony of Lights" as well as other lighting displays at building facades, especially illuminated advertisement signs.

General Aviation Activities

The APSD continued to monitor the safety of recreational aviation activities, including paragliding, kite flying and model aircraft operations, to ensure that these activities were conducted in adherence to applicable aviation safety regulations and would not affect civil aircraft operations.

Carriage of Dangerous Goods

The Dangerous Goods Office (DGO) of the APSD regulates the transport of dangerous goods by air based on ICAO and local legal requirements. The DGO has established a dangerous goods permission system whereby airlines which satisfy all pertinent safety requirements will be granted a permission to carry dangerous goods to, from or over Hong Kong. During the year, 38 new and 55 renewal applications for dangerous goods permissions were processed. At the end of March 2021, 129 airlines have been granted permissions. The office also approved 43 organisations for conducting dangerous goods training programmes for airlines, aviation security service providers, air cargo terminals, freight forwarders and shippers. The DGO conducted regular and ad-hoc inspections to airlines, air cargo terminals, freight forwarders, shippers and training organisations to ascertain their compliance with the safety requirements on air transport of dangerous goods. For any non-compliance identified during inspections, the concerned entities were required to submit and implement corrective action plans to the CAD’s satisfaction to prevent recurrence.

APSD officers conducted inspection on dangerous goods cargo in air cargo terminal.
APSD officers conducted inspection on dangerous goods cargo in air cargo terminal.

Promulgation of Safety Requirements

To enhance the awareness of the industry and the public of the safety requirements on air transport of dangerous goods, the DGO sustained its efforts to promulgate the safety requirements through various means. During the year, the DGO distributed leaflets and posters, reviewed and updated the Department's website, promoted safety requirements on air transport of dangerous goods when replying enquiries, and constantly reminded the industry to abide by the relevant safety requirements. In addition, the DGO issued an advisory circular to the air cargo industry during the year to remind the industry of the requirements concerning air transport of lithium batteries and alcohol-based sanitisers in cargo. Furthermore, in response to the outbreak of COVID-19, the DGO updated the “Packing Tips for Air Passenger”, which is promulgated on the CAD website to include information on the carriage of alcohol-based sanitisers, alcohol wipes, etc., for easy reference by passengers and crew.

Legislation

To align the two sets of local legislation with the latest requirements of ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, the DGO initiated the related legislative amendment process during the year with the support of the air cargo industry. The legislative amendments which included primarily changes to the requirements on dangerous goods training for employees of aircraft operators, shippers and freight forwarders are targeted to take effect from 2 July 2021.

Dangerous Goods Incidents

The incidents which occurred in the year were mainly related to undeclared dangerous goods in air cargo. The DGO conducted investigations into all these incidents to prevent recurrence. The CAD has also been taking prosecution actions against the concerned entities that were found contravening the dangerous goods legislation. In close cooperation with the air cargo industry, the implementation of the enhanced control, surveillance and inspection measures for safe transport of dangerous goods by air forged ahead with its regulatory efforts in managing undeclared and misdeclared dangerous goods occurrences. In addition, useful incident information was disseminated to the air cargo industry in Hong Kong and other aviation authorities.

Aviation Security

Security Oversight of Operators at HKIA

The APSD ensured that the AAHK and the operators at the HKIA, including tenant restricted area operators, aircraft operators and aircraft catering supplies and stores operators, complied with the requirements in the Hong Kong Aviation Security Programme through audits and inspections.

HKIA Developments

During the report period, the division processed five proposals of restricted area designations of the HKIA under the Aviation Security Ordinance. The designations included the reclamation filling adjacent to the existing northern seawall at the HKIA, new retail units at Terminal 1 departure east hall, enlargement of the steel platform for the automated arrival baggage delivery system, expansion of Terminal 2 and renovation of Government VIP and HKIA VIP Lounges. The division conducted site assessments to confirm that adequate security control measures were provided for the protection of the re-designated restricted areas. The division also worked with the AAHK in the 3RS related projects and other facility development projects to ensure that they complied with the relevant aviation security requirements.

APSD officers inspected the reclamation filling adjacent to existing northern seawall at the Hong Kong International Airport.
APSD officers inspected the reclamation filling adjacent to existing northern seawall at the Hong Kong International Airport.
APSD officers inspected the expansion works of Terminal 2.
APSD officers inspected the expansion works of Terminal 2.

Air Cargo Security

Under the Regulated Agent Regime (RAR), a cargo agent registered as a Regulated Agent (RA) with the CAD is required to provide security control measures on consignments of air cargo. As at 31 March 2021, there were over 1 400 RAs registered with the CAD. The APSD kept supervising the compliance of the RAs with the requirements of RAR through regular inspections, and required them to submit and implement corresponding corrective action plans when any non-compliance was identified.

Pursuant to a new policy direction announced by ICAO on air cargo security, during the year the division made headway to implement the Regulated Air Cargo Screening Facility (RACSF) scheme to facilitate air cargo screening at off-airport locations. This measure not only increases Hong Kong's overall screening capacity for export air cargo, but also enhances air cargo security through achieving 100 per cent security screening for export air cargo. As at 31 March 2021, there were over 130 RACSFs registered with the CAD.

The division has been proactively co-ordinating the efforts of the air cargo industry, which actively supported to achieve smooth and gradual implementation of the new policy direction of ICAO in order to maintain Hong Kong’s leading position as an international air cargo hub.

APSD officers inspected the cargo acceptance procedure in air cargo terminal.
APSD officers inspected the cargo acceptance procedure in air cargo terminal.

Facilitation

Through the Hong Kong Air Transport Facilitation Committee, the APSD kept overseeing the implementation of the SARPs of ICAO Annex 9 at the HKIA and coordinating senior management of relevant government departments, agencies and other organisations on facilitation activities at strategic level. The committee convened in May 2020 and March 2021 to discuss the implementation of passenger data exchange systems and the recovery of air transport services in the midst of COVID-19. Besides, to facilitate crew members of Hong Kong registered aircraft operators in discharging their flight duties, the APSD issued Crew Member Certificates (CMC) in accordance with ICAO Annex 9. Due to the expiry of the CMC in December 2020, 17 055 CMC were issued in its replacement exercise during the year.

International Activities

The APSD continued to communicate with overseas aviation authorities to share information on best practices of security measures for enhancing aviation security in Hong Kong, and participate in international meetings and programmes for monitoring the development of aviation security measures.