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Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at the gala dinner for the 100th anniversary of aviation development in Hong Kong at Regal Airport Hotel this evening (March 18):
Norman (Lo), distinguished guests, friends, ladies and gentlemen,
I am delighted to join you to celebrate the centenary of aviation development in Hong Kong.
One hundred years ago today, Belgian pilot Charles Van den Born lifted off in his fragile biplane from a beach in Sha Tin. In those days, flying was restricted to the realms of the adventurous, the wealthy and the privileged few.
Today, aviation is a symbol of Hong Kong's spirit of adventure, progress and success. The lives of almost everyone in our city are touched by the aviation industry in one way or another. Business, inbound tourism, employment and leisure travel are just a few obvious examples.
The importance of aviation is reflected by Hong Kong International AirportĄ¯s performance last year. In 2010, passenger numbers exceeded 50 million, and cargo throughput hit a record four million tonnes.
Currently, some 95 airlines operate about 6,000 flights a week, while the airport connects to over 150 destinations worldwide.
These achievements underline the airportĄ¯s pivotal role in our economic and social development.
Through world-class aviation, Hong Kong is able to capitalise on its prime location. Here, in the heart of East Asia and next to the fast-developing PRD region, our city is a natural place for global aviation to converge.
The Hong Kong Government has long pursued pro-aviation policies. Our progressive liberalisation policy on air services has helped to inject vibrancy into our aviation industry and open up new opportunities.
We also invest heavily in aviation infrastructure. Last year, a series of projects was completed to enhance the capacity at Terminal 1 and the airfield. Works on the first phase of the midfield expansion development will begin in the third quarter of this year. Completion is scheduled for 2015.
Our civil aviation regulatory body is highly regarded around the world for its endeavours and professionalism. By end-2012, the Civil Aviation Department will be housed in new headquarters on the airport island.
The department is working closely with the Mainland and Macao authorities in improving the use of airspace in the PRD region. A new transfer point for overflying flights will be added this year to improve traffic flow.
We also have the Airport Authority which excels in managing and developing our airport facilities, ensuring world-class services.
Ladies and gentlemen, on this centenary anniversary, as we reflect on Hong Kong's dynamic and colourful aviation history, let us also look to the future.
We expect to commission a new state-of-the-art air traffic control system by end-2013. This will help meet the challenges of increasing air traffic in our city and our region.
Later this year, we will consult the public on the Hong Kong International Airport Master Plan 2030. This plan is critical to the long-term economic development of Hong Kong. It is important that we build a strong consensus in the community on the best way forward for the airport's development in the next 20 years.
From the first powered flight a century ago, through the spectacular success of Kai Tak, to today's magnificent airport at Chek Lap Kok, aviation has captured the imagination and the hearts of Hong Kong people.
New technology continues to transform the way we fly. Hong Kong must keep abreast of the changes and respond to new trends, new markets and new opportunities.
In closing, I would like to thank you all for your hard work and dedication in establishing Hong Kong as a regional and international aviation centre. But we must remember that the competition goes on, and in this regard we cannot afford to fall behind.
I wish you all an enjoyable 100th anniversary of aviation development and clear skies ahead.
Thank you.
Ends/Friday, March 18, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:51
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