Speech by CE at HAECO 60th Anniversary Celebration Ceremony (English only) (with photos/video)

Speech by CE at HAECO 60th Anniversary Celebration Ceremony (English only) (with photos/video)
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Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at the 60th Anniversary Celebration Ceremony of Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited (HAECO) today (November 17):

Mr [Chris] Pratt, Mr [Augustus] Tang, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

     I am indeed very delighted to join you to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited, better known in Hong Kong as HAECO.

     First, a heartfelt "thank you" to everyone at HAECO for your hard work, dedication and professionalism over the years.

     Through your efforts Hong Kong has an excellent track record in aviation safety. This is an important part of our status and reputation as a regional and international aviation centre.

     Speaking as a reluctant frequent flier, I certainly appreciate the extra peace of mind that your expertise helps to provide.

     Today, HAECO is among the world's top five maintenance, repair and overhaul companies.  It provides top quality services to over 80 airlines around the world. HAECO also employs some 5,000 people in Hong Kong alone and has recruited some 600 additional staff this year.

     In a nutshell, HAECO is a true Hong Kong success story.

     In the spirit of local success stories, HAECO has also spread its wings through joint ventures in Mainland China.  It has formed partnerships with leading aviation companies such as Rolls Royce, Boeing and General Electric.

     Since relocating to Chek Lap Kok in 1998, the company has expanded quickly. Hanger 2 was commissioned in 2006 and Hanger 3 began operation last year.

     This was a timely response to new developments in aviation as well as the industry’s rebound from the global financial crisis.

     Passenger traffic at Hong Kong International Airport hit a record high of 42.4 million during the first ten months of this year. That represents year-on-year growth of 11 per cent.  During the same period, air cargo traffic reached 3.4 million tonnes — a more than 27 per cent increase year-on-year.

     Hong Kong is also more inter-connected. New flights to Milan, Moscow and Hongqiao of Shanghai were launched this year.

     Just last month, a new service to Tokyo's Haneda airport began operating. I enjoyed the convenience of this service last week when I attended the APEC Summit in Japan.

     These flights have further strengthened our aviation network to include some 155 international destinations, including some 40 Mainland cities.

     Ladies and gentlemen, as we celebrate 60 years of HAECO's success, let us also cast an eye toward Hong Kong's aviation future.

     Among the new projects is a permanent SkyPier which opened in January this year. A new cargo terminal project, led by the private sector, is expected to be completed in early 2013. We also expect work on the midfield expansion project to begin in the second half of next year.

     We will seek views from stakeholders and the public on the proposals for a third runway. This consultation period is expected to begin in the first half of next year after the Hong Kong International Airport Master Plan 2030 Study is completed.

     Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong has counted on HAECO's support and services over the past six decades to become a global aviation hub.

     Please join me in congratulating HAECO on its 60th Anniversary and wishing the company every success in achieving new heights in many decades to come.

     Thank you.

Ends/Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Issued at HKT 12:33

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