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The Pearl River Delta Region Air Traffic Management Planning and Implementation Supervisory Group, which was jointly established by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department (CAD) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Macao, held its latest meeting in Macao today (June 18) and finalised the way forward in respect of air traffic control procedures and airspace enhancements to meet future air traffic demand, and to increase the efficiency of air traffic operations in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region.
The Supervisory Group reviewed the rationalised PRD flight procedures and air routes, as well as related ancillary systems provision that will enhance collaboration among the three sides and improve airspace utilisation and air traffic management in the PRD region, following the medium- and long-term targets and work plan previously set by the Group. Consensus was reached to push forward the removal of airspace constraints within the PRD region to progressively establish a Southern PRD Terminal Area encompassing all PRD airports in Hong Kong, Macao, Shenzhen and Zhuhai. This will increase regional air transport capability and achieve the ultimate objectives of realising joint airspace planning, use of common standards and harmonised flight procedure design by 2020 as planned.
At the meeting, the CAD introduced the Hong Kong International Airport Master Plan 2030 to the other two civil aviation authorities. Members of the Group expressed full support for the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) adopting the three-runway system as the future development option, and to the CAD using such a proposal for airspace management and planning purposes. Full consideration had been given to the future development of all airports in the PRD region. The Group pledged to work in collaboration to study and implement enhancement measures of PRD airspace design and management. These enhancement measures would adequately address the future development of airports within the region, including the three-runway mode of operations at the HKIA, which would handle a maximum of 102 aircraft movements per hour and about 620 000 landings and take-offs per year.
Ends/Monday, June 18, 2012
Issued at HKT 19:45
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