Air Traffic Engineering Services

The Air Traffic Engineering Services Division (AESD) is responsible for the design, planning, co-ordination, provision, commissioning, enhancement and maintenance of air traffic control (ATC) systems as well as communications, navigation and surveillance (CNS) facilities.

Smooth and Reliable Operation of ATC Systems

The ATC systems of the CAD have been operating smoothly and reliably round-the-clock to support air traffic services for aircraft flying within the Hong Kong Flight Information Region (HKFIR). A technical team comprising CAD electronics engineers, system contractors and maintenance service providers (MSPs) continued to oversee the operation and maintenance of the on-airport ATC systems, off-airport CNS systems and supporting infrastructure to provide smooth and reliable air navigation services for aircraft operating within the HKFIR.

The Three-runway System (3RS) at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) was officially commissioned on November 28, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the development of Hong Kong's aviation industry. The smooth transition of air traffic management from the Interim Air Traffic Control Tower to the New Air Traffic Control Tower (NAT) on November 18, 2024 was a crucial step for the commencement of the 3RS operations. The seamless operation demonstrated the remarkable collaboration among the ATC staff from the Air Traffic Management Division, the technical support staff from AESD and the maintenance service provider. Standing at a height of 102 metres and featuring various state-of-the-art facilities designed to enhance air traffic management, the NAT symbolises the future development of air traffic control at HKIA.

The CAD will continue to ensure the smooth and reliable operation of its ATC systems, equipment and infrastructure and its readiness at all times to maintain Hong Kong's position as an international aviation hub.

Experience Sharing with Overseas Civil Aviation Authorities (CAAs) and Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs)

During the year, overseas CAAs/ANSPs and the AESD continued to proactively arrange visits to each other to exchange views in air navigation service (ANS) technology innovation.

(i) Visit by Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and International Centre for Aviation Innovation (ICAI) to CAD

The delegation from the CAAS and ICAI visited the CAD in May 2024, exchanging views with CAD representatives on their respective latest innovation in civil aviation and fostering co-operation in the regional development of Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) and Air Traffic Management System (ATMS).

(ii) Joint event of System Wide Information Management (SWIM) over Common Regional Virtual Private Network (CRV) Demonstration, Surveillance data over SWIM Trial and the Fourth Meeting of the Surveillance Study Group (SURSG/4) of ICAO Asia Pacific Region

The joint event of SWIM over CRV Demonstration (the Demo), Surveillance data over SWIM Trial (the Trial) and the SURSG/4 of ICAO APAC Region was held in CAD Headquarters from May 28 to 31, 2024. Chief Electronics Engineer (Technical Support) of the CAD chaired the SURSG/4 and hosted the demonstration and trial. The event was attended by representatives of ICAO APAC States/Administrations, industry partners and stakeholders.

(iii) 28th Meeting of the Communications, Navigation and Surveillance Sub-group (CNS SG) of the ICAO Asia/Pacific Air Navigation Planning and Implementation Regional Group (APANPIRG)

Leading a CAD delegation, the then Deputy Director-General of Civil Aviation, Mr Richard Wu, chaired the 28th Meeting of the CNS SG (CNS SG/28) of ICAO APANPIRG in ICAO APAC Regional Office, Bangkok, Thailand in the capacity of the chairperson of the sub-group, from July 1 to 5, 2024.

The CNS SG plays an important role in facilitating the provision of seamless ANS in Member States by co-ordinating the deployment of advanced communication, navigation, and surveillance technologies in a harmonised manner. The CNS SG steers to shape the future direction of CNS development. The meeting reviewed the achievements and tasks of the Sub-group since its previous meeting and the outcomes of other contributory bodies under the CNS SG. At the meeting, the CAD delegation of electronics engineers and the ATC operational personnel shared the trial of drone flight inspection at HKIA, the cybersecurity attack-with-defence exercise that took place in Hong Kong and the successful hosting of the Asia Pacific Region Innovation & Capacity Building Symposium 2023, which was jointly organised with the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy (HKIAA). In addition, Hong Kong took the lead to initiate various Guidance Documents, including an update of Flight Inspection Guidance Material and an outline of Guidance Document for High Resilience.

(iv) 14th Air Navigation Conference of the ICAO

In August 2024, the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Mr Victor Liu, led a CAD delegation comprising an electronics engineer and ATC operational personnel to join the 14th Air Navigation Conference of the ICAO at the ICAO Headquarters in Montreal, Canada, as part of the China delegation. During the conference, the CAD representatives presented information on the global application of unmanned aircraft system in flight inspection and shared the experience of the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong. They also emphasised the need for standardisation and guidance materials to ensure that related applications meet international standards.

(v) Visit by Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) to CAD

The Director-General of the Civil Aviation Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO), Mr Simon Hocquard, and the Director of Communications of CANSO, Ms Deborah Seymour, visited the CAD Headquarters, where they exchanged views with the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Mr Victor Liu; the Deputy Director-General of Civil Aviation, Miss Clara Wong; and the then Assistant Director-General of Civil Aviation (Air Traffic Engineering Services), Mr Hui Man-ho. While visiting, the CANSO delegates also took the opportunity to tour the New ATC Tower to learn about the implementation of the 3RS project.

(vi) Visit by East China Air Traffic Management Bureau (ATMB) of CAAC

The Deputy Director of the East China ATMB of the CAAC, Mr Zhao Chengqi, led a delegation to visit the CAD in December 2024. The visit provided a valuable platform for discussions on various topics of mutual interest. Operational experience in ATC and technical aspects were shared and exchanged, strengthening the co-operative relationship between the CAD and the ATMB.

Attend the CANSO Global ATM Summit 2024 and the 28th Annual General Meeting

The CANSO Global ATM Summit 2024 and the 28th Annual General Meeting were held from June 11 to 13, 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Focusing on environmental sustainability and other matters of concern in aviation, the event attracted multiple leaders and experts from the ATM industry to exchange knowledge. The CAD delegation also seized the opportunity to co-ordinate with delegates from the ATMB of the CAAC for various co-operative matters.

Aviation System Block Upgrades (ASBU)

In accordance with the ICAO's ASBU framework and the priorities stipulated in the Global Air Navigation Plan (GANP) and Seamless ANS Plan for the APAC region, the CAD continued to collaborate with stakeholders in the aviation industry to develop strategies for the phased implementation of the ASBU modules in Hong Kong through the ASBU Planning and Implementation Committee, as well as review the latest implementation status and steer relevant planning and implementation in Hong Kong.

(i) Support for ICAO ASBU Panel Project Team

The CAD joined the Chinese delegation in participating in the ICAO ASBU Panel Project Team. This engagement aims to learn from and contribute to the latest developments in ASBU, thereby keeping Hong Kong at the forefront of ASBU implementation.

(ii) Support for ICAO Frequency Spectrum Management Panel

Radio frequency plays a crucial role in the civil aviation industry supporting operations of various CNS systems. These systems require protected radio frequencies for their smooth and reliable operations.

The ICAO Frequency Spectrum Management Panel advises the Air Navigation Commission on all matters relating to frequency spectrum for the CNS services.

The Panel develops the ICAO position and other supporting materials to facilitate updates to the International Tele-communication Union (ITU) Radio Regulations, which are regularly reviewed by ITU-World Radiocommunication Conference. The Panel also develops guidelines and makes amendments to ICAO documents for the development of new ATC radio systems. The CAD has been invited by the CAAC as a technical advisor to provide support for their work under the Panel. At the panel meeting and other sub-group meetings, the CAD collaborates with other stakeholders to develop strategies for optimising the radio spectrum for aeronautical use.

The CAD, in close collaboration with the Mainland authorities and the Office of the Communications Authority of Hong Kong, also holds regular meetings on various ATC radio issues. At the Mainland Frequency Coordination Meeting in December 2024, the CAD reviewed the situation of the various ATC radio frequency issues and established an effective and robust co-ordination mechanism to fulfil the additional ATC radio frequency demands and address the daily radio frequency issues.

Safety Management System (SMS)

The AESD values the importance of safety in the provision of air navigation service. The safety performance of Maintenance Service Providers was reviewed and monitored through regular SMS Review Meetings, including the safety trend, safety performance indicators and safety performance targets for the CNS/ATMS equipment, to ensure that the established safety management actions and procedures were implemented as planned, and that all safety targets were met. Besides, the AESD continued to upkeep its good safety performance by conducting regular safety audits, workshops and training to support the operation and maintenance of various systems and project works.

During the year, two SMS training sessions/briefings and three safety audits were conducted. The basic SMS training for AESD newcomers and safety briefing were conducted in December 2024. The safety audits on safety performance of operations and system maintenance of Maintenance Service Provider, technical support, training and safety management of the AESD were conducted in June, July and October 2024 respectively.

Cyber Security

Cyber security is one of the critical challenges facing the global aviation industry. The ICAO established the Cybersecurity Panel to support the implementation of cybersecurity initiatives. Since 2022, a cybersecurity expert from the AESD has been appointed by the CAAC to serve as a technical advisor in support of CAAC's participation in the ICAO Cybersecurity Panel. The third meeting of the Panel was held in June 2024 at ICAO Headquarters in Montreal, Canada, where cybersecurity requirements affecting the aviation industry were discussed.

In March 2025, the ICAO APAC Regional Office hosted the Regional Seminar on Aviation Cybersecurity in Bangkok, Thailand. Seventy attendees shared initiatives to enhance the protection and resilience of civil aviation systems in the seminar. The CAD delegation presented regional perspectives and an overview of Hong Kong's cyber security initiatives.

Regular drills and exercises are essential for safeguarding ANS equipment and Information Technology (IT) systems against cyber threats and achieving the zero-incident goal in cyber security. The CAD collaborated with the Hong Kong Police Force's Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau, the International Criminal Police Organization, law enforcement agencies, and key infrastructure operators to conduct the Counter Cyber and Physical Terrorism Joint Exercise 2024 in August 2024. This tabletop exercise enhanced participants' capabilities in responding to cyberattacks and physical terrorist threats.

Flight Check

In accordance with the ICAO requirement, routine flight checks for navigational aids at the HKIA are conducted twice a year, usually in May and November during the off-peak traffic seasons. Starting the flight checks in the early morning before air traffic builds up is crucial in minimising the potential impact on both the HKIA and ATC operations.

The AESD successfully co-ordinated with various stakeholders including CAAC's Flight Inspection Center (FIC), AAHK and Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre, to conduct routine flight checks for the navigation aids at the HKIA in May and November 2024 with satisfactory results.

To enhance efficiency of flight checks, the AESD has also taken the initiative in exploring innovative means to test the feasibility of carrying out part of the flight check by small unmanned aircraft (SUA). Following the successful completion of the first trial of flight inspection using SUA at the HKIA in August 2023, the AESD completed a second trial covering both the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and the Doppler Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (DVOR) in May 2024 with promising outcomes.

New Technologies for Satellite-based CNS/ATM Systems

To comply with the roadmap in the ICAO's GANP, the CAD has formulated a plan to progressively trial and implement various new technologies for satellite based CNS/ATM Systems and services. Among them, the Pre-Departure Clearance Two-way Datalink Service, the Electronic Flight Strip System, the Arrival Manager System and the Air Traffic Services Inter-facility Data Communication have been integrated smoothly with the ATMS and working satisfactorily since its full commissioning. The latest development of other new technologies and systems is highlighted below:

(i) Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS)

The phase two project of the A-SMGCS was completed and put into service to provide comprehensive surveillance and safety alert functions of aircraft and ground vehicle movements at the HKIA to support 3RS operations. The system is equipped with additional sensors to expand the surveillance coverage to the North Runway, the refurbished Centre Runway and associated taxiways.

(ii) Surface Movement Radars (SMRs)

SMRs are positioned at the top of new tower structures at five locations of the HKIA to monitor the aircraft and vehicles on the runways and taxiways. They provide surveillance information for the A-SMGCS to enable air traffic controllers to maintain smooth ground traffic in all weather conditions.

(iii) Space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Data

With the commissioning of terrestrial-based ADS-B system, the safety performance and operational efficiency of the ATC services have been enhanced. In addition, the use of Space-based ADS-B data in ATC systems continued to boost the department's long-ranged surveillance capability and facilitated the provision of air traffic flow management (ATFM) service.

(iv) Ground-based Augmentation System (GBAS)

The GBAS makes use of the Global Navigation Satellite System for supporting satellite-based precision approach and landing of aircraft. The system provides approach path data, corrections and integrity information to equipped aircraft landing at the airport. The CAD has been actively participating in the ICAO APAC GBAS/Satellite-Based Augmentation System Implementation Task Force meetings and International GBAS Working Group meetings to share our experience at the HKIA and keep abreast of the latest development of the GBAS technology in order to prepare for future GBAS deployment at the HKIA.

(v) Instrument Landing System (ILS)

The ILS consists of a 32-element ultra-wide aperture localiser antenna array, M-Type 3-element Glide Path antenna system and bi-directional Distance Measurement Equipment. The ILS at each end of the Centre Runway completed the commissioning flight check successfully in September 2024 and is in operation since November 2024.

(vi) Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM)

The enhanced A-CDM Gateway supports the provision of more comprehensive air traffic data to the AAHK, enabling the CAD and AAHK to cope more efficiently with challenges arising from the 3RS operations. As always, the CAD continues to provide the HKIA with full support and advice on technical and operational aspects to enhance the overall operational efficiency. To assist with the steering of regional A-CDM development, the CAD made every effort in the relevant ICAO Regional Task Force meetings to share our experience at the HKIA and advocate the development of the regional roadmap. The CAD will continue to proactively participate in and promote the interoperability on A-CDM and ATFM for the region.

(vii) Digital Tower Facilities (DTF)

The DTF is equipped with ultra-high resolution surveillance cameras that provide real-time, digitised and panoramic views of the airport. With the adoption of digital video analytics, the movements of aircraft and ground vehicles are tracked in real time and displayed with the corresponding flight information tags. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology provides additional safety alert functions, such as early detection of conflicting situation or intrusion into restricted airfield areas. Phase one of the DTF enhances the overall efficiency and situation awareness of air traffic controllers, while phase two was successfully implemented and transitioned for ATC operations in November 2024 for the 3RS operations.

(viii) Control Tower Simulator (CTS)

To enhance training for tower controllers for an efficient roll out of the 3RS operations, the AESD, in joint effort with the Air Traffic Management Division, updated the CTS database. The update simulates the operational environment of the HKIA 3RS, providing the best training facilities for ATC Tower controllers. The CTS, equipped with state-of-the-art projection and image generation technologies, is one of the most advanced CTS deployments worldwide. During the year, CTS debriefing facilities were installed to enhance the functionalities of the simulators and facilitate training reviews and demonstrations.

(ix) Asia Pacific Common Regional Virtual Private Network (CRV)

The ICAO has formulated an action for its member states to expedite the CRV implementation for the region pursuant to their cost benefit analysis. In support of this initiative, the CAD has commenced the migration of its existing circuits to the CRV progressively with a view to improving efficiency in aeronautical communication with other Area Control Centres (ACCs). The migration of voice or data communication circuits with the ACCs of Manila, Beijing and Bangkok, etc. to CRV has been completed by the CAD. The CRV Inter-Operability Test (IOT) between Hong Kong and Ho Chi Minh City was completed in 2024. The migration to CRV between Hong Kong and Macao is targeted for completion in 2025.

(x) Approach Spacing Management System (ASMS)

The ASMS at the Air Traffic Control Centre has been implemented for enhancing the operational efficiency in handling aircraft's final approach operation under enhanced wake turbulence separation scheme and for improving consistency in delivering arrival traffic spacing.

Since its commissioning in March 2024, the ASMS has delivered substantial benefits, including reduced airborne delays, increased runway capacity and fuel savings with reduction in CO₂ emissions from aircraft, contributing to sustainable and environmentally friendly air navigation services.

System Wide Information Management (SWIM)

SWIM is an integral part of ICAO GANP and covers a number of the ASBU modules derived from the GANP. It aims to promote the exchange of aviation information (flight, meteorological and aeronautical) on a standardised and common platform among aviation stakeholders.

(i) Participation in SWIM Operational Trial on ATFM and Flight & Flow Information for Collaborative Environment (FF-ICE)

The CAD always supports the ICAO in the promotion and implementation of SWIM in the APAC region. In March 2025, the CAD, along with other pioneering ANSPs, completed the SWIM-based ATFM message exchange based on an agreed Flight Information Exchange Model (FIXM) standard, supporting the ATFM operation through real-time exchange.

(ii) Promoting Regional Sharing of Aeronautical Surveillance Data through SWIM

The CAD has been steering collaboration among pioneering ANSPs and industry partners in the region to jointly promote the sharing of aeronautical surveillance data under the SWIM environment, with a view to enhancing ATC safety and operational efficiency. In May 2024, the AESD led a dedicated ICAO APAC study group to conduct a proof-of-concept test and trials in Hong Kong, which will serve as a reference model for future SWIM implementation.

Smart Energy Savings at CAD Headquarters

During the year, the AESD continued to explore and implement projects and measures to save energy and reduce carbon emission in collaboration with other CAD divisions, such as switching to more energy-efficient lighting with occupancy sensors, water pumps and air conditioning units. Administrative measures such as promoting green awareness, optimising operating hours of lighting, air conditioning, temperature settings, lifts/escalators, etc. were also adopted. In the 2024/25 financial year, the CAD achieved an overall energy savings of 6.02% when compared to the 2018/19 baseline.

For renewable energy projects, electric vehicles and solar panels were deployed at CAD HQs and outstations. The CAD continued to actively explore new energy-saving applications and innovative technology such as passive radiative cooling painting. Also, the High-Volume Low-Speed ceiling fan installed at the Canteen of CAD HQs was commissioned in November 2024. Through improvement of air circulation in the Canteen, the temperature set point of the air conditioning at the Canteen was increased by 0.5^oC for energy savings.

The CAD also won the Sustainable Vision Award 2024 for the CLP Smart Energy Award in October 2024.

Meanwhile, the CAD actively applied advanced and innovative technologies to achieve energy savings. To enhance cooling efficiency and high-performance computer calculation performance through innovation, the AESD pioneered the development of dedicated Two-phase Immersion Cooling technology to explore its benefits. The CAD successfully implemented a Two-phase Immersion Cooling System (ICS) for the high-performance image generator of its advanced and large-scale Control Tower Simulator (CTS). This technology involves immersing the Image Generator (including the motherboard and high-performance graphics card but excluding the power supply and computer case) in a non-conductive dielectric coolant formulated with a low boiling point. By leveraging the phase-change principle (i.e. latent heat of vaporisation), the ICS dissipates heat much more effectively than air-cooling systems while eliminating dependency on traditional air conditioning and its associated high-energy consumption. The ICS's success has been demonstrated through extensive trials and recognised internationally, underscoring its potential to redefine the thermal management plan for air navigation services equipment.

In addition, the CAD has actively promoted this green and innovative technology for the aviation sector at international meetings, such as ICAO conferences, where the CAD shared its experience in the successful implementation of ICS. The CAD and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department are collaborating on a joint submission for this technology to the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva event to be held in April 2025.

Refurbishment of East Air Traffic Control Centre (E-ATCC) Expansion Area

The refurbishment works of the existing E-ATCC expansion area would be completed in May 2025. The CAD would set up new controller working positions and a new ATFM Centre in the expansion area to cope with the increasing air traffic after the commissioning of the 3RS.

Refurbishment of Off-airport Outstations

The CAD commenced refurbishment works for the building and facilities of off-airport outstations in phases to match with the replacement plans of various ANS equipment. The CAD engaged architectural and quantity surveying consultants through an open tender to provide the detailed design and quantity surveying services for various refurbishment works. The contract for the first phase of the refurbishment works of off-airport outstations was awarded in November 2023, and the refurbishment works commenced in December of the same year. The contract for the second phase of the refurbishment works of off-airport outstations was awarded in February 2025, and the refurbishment works were scheduled to commence in April of the same year. In the meantime, the tender for the third phase of the refurbishment works was issued in March 2025 and the contract would be awarded in late 2025.

Information Technology Management

The Information Technology Management Unit (ITMU) continued to support the day-to-day operations of various CAD divisions through effective implementation of new information technology initiatives, e-Government strategy and upgrade of IT equipment and network infrastructure.

Apart from day-to-day IT support for CAD officers and maintenance of IT systems and infrastructures, the ITMU has been assisting the department in the deployment of the Electronic Recordkeeping System to gradually replace the conventional paper-based filing system. The second phase of the implementation took place in March 2025.

The CAD has launched an electronic portal for SUA through which members of the public can register their SUA and obtain safety information for complying with the relevant legislations. A software upgrade for enhancing system features and efficiency of daily system administration was also implemented.

The CAD had launched the SUA Operations Information Sharing Platform on December 20, 2024, to streamline the process of sharing of information relating to SUA operations among relevant stakeholders.

The ITMU also developed dashboards running on the CAD Big Data Analytics Platform to facilitate air traffic management professionals in analysing the final approach deviation and safety performance of aircraft, thereby optimising operational efficiency and safety of ATC.