The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, today (January 25) visited the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) to gain a better understanding of the air traffic control (ATC) services provided by the department and the ATC operations at Hong Kong International Airport.

     Accompanied by the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Mr Norman Lo, the Chief Executive visited the Air Traffic Control Complex at the centre of the airfield. Mr Tsang began his visit at the Air Traffic Control Centre where he was briefed on how air traffic controllers worked round the clock to ensure the safe and efficient flow of aircraft movements within the Hong Kong Flight Information Region.

     Mr Tsang took the opportunity to take a first-hand look at the daily ATC operations. He noted that air traffic had been increasing rapidly since the opening of the Hong Kong International Airport in 1998. Last year there were 280,492 runway movements and 139,714 overflights handled by the Air Traffic Control Centre. These traffic figures represent respective increases of 6.4% and 11.2% over 2005.

     During his duty visit to Beijing last month, Mr Tsang raised the issue of the narrow air space in the Pearl River Delta region. He was reassured that the Central Government would attach great importance to the issue and would help the region to study ways to become more efficient in aviation management. The Civil Aviation Department and other relevant authorities will work with the relevant Mainland authorities to continue to actively follow up the matter.

     The Chief Executive then visited the Aerodrome Tower, which provides 24-hour aerodrome control services to aircraft operating at the airport. He was briefed on the standard flight procedures for arrivals and departures.

     The Aerodrome Tower handled an average of 780 aircraft movements a day and air traffic was expected to increase significantly during long holiday periods. On April 14, 2006 (Good Friday), 870 flight movements were handled at the airport, setting a new daily record.

     Mr Tsang commended the ATC staff, who had to work round -the clock to provide a safe and efficient services to the travelling public.

     During the visit, the Chief Executive met frontline air traffic controllers to learn about the challenges they faced at work.

     He expressed his appreciation of the high standard of ATC services provided by the CAD staff. "I am impressed by the devotion and professionalism of the ATC staff in ensuring a safe and efficient air transport system. This is of paramount importance to maintaining Hong Kong's status as an aviation hub within the region," he said.

Ends/Thursday, January 25, 2007
Issued at HKT 16:46

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