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The Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, today (June 7, Toulouse time) started his official visit to France in Toulouse, an important aerospace and aviation centre in Europe. As Hong Kong presses ahead with the construction of the third runway system for the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), Mr Leung hopes to draw inspiration from Toulouse's rich experience in aerospace and aviation industries.
Mr Leung first met with the President of Languedoc-Roussillon, Midi-Pyrénées Region, Mrs Carole Delga, to learn about Toulouse's latest developments in aviation, engineering, innovation and technology. He then addressed a luncheon hosted by the Regional Council to introduce Hong Kong's "super-connector" role as a regional hub in aviation and logistics. He shared with the guests Hong Kong's latest developments in enhancing transport connectivity and services, including large-scale infrastructure projects in the pipeline and the development of high value-added services. He also highlighted Hong Kong's efforts in promoting innovation and technology, and welcomed further co-operation between Hong Kong and France in this regard.
In the afternoon, Mr Leung will visit Ecole Nationale de l'Aviation Civile (National School of Civil Aviation). The School is France's only university dedicated to aviation studies, and Europe's largest aeronautics and civil aviation university. Mr Leung hopes that the visit will give insights to Hong Kong's civil aviation academy in training aviation practitioners.
Mr Leung will also tour Airbus, a global aircraft manufacturer that provides almost 60 per cent of aircrafts operated by five Hong Kong airlines. He looks forward to more collaboration on air services between Hong Kong and Airbus.
After the visit, Mr Leung will speak at a dinner hosted by Cathay Pacific and Airbus. Cathay Pacific recently received its first A350 aircraft from Airbus in Hong Kong and 47 more will come to join its fleet. Mr Leung will highlight Hong Kong's drive to expand its reach as a major aviation hub, including building the third runway system at the HKIA, supporting aviation education and promoting offshore aircraft leasing.
Ends/Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Issued at HKT 20:25
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