Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, at a media session on cancellation of flights by Hong Kong Express after attending the opening ceremony of the Joint-School Design Exhibition today (October 6):

Reporter: Does the Government have plans to introduce a stricter penalty system for airlines which fail or cancel flights at very short notice like this incident with the Hong Kong Express?

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: As far as the management of airlines is concerned, the Civil Aviation Department is the authority overseeing their licensing conditions. But of course, in my capacity over the portfolio of tourism, we are naturally very concerned about the impact of any practices that might jeopardise tourism. In this regard, we have taken measures to look at whether the cancellation of flights had any impact on, for instance, tourist groups going out of Hong Kong or returning.

     We are glad that with our inter-bureau intervention, we are seeing a limited impact on tourist groups leaving Hong Kong. But of course, individual travellers are also being helped in getting their refund or having alternative flights. My bureau will continue to monitor the impact on tourism. I understand that my colleagues in the Civil Aviation Department and the Transport and Housing Bureau will continue to look at airline business as a whole.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Friday, October 6, 2017
Issued at HKT 15:56

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