The public exhibition of the Government Flying Service (GFS)'s Jetstream 41 fixed-wing aircraft on the lawn of Kai Tak Runway Park commenced today (July 17) after its 17-year service. This is the first public exhibition of a retired aircraft from the GFS.
      
     Speaking at the launch ceremony, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, said that the exhibition has added an attraction to Kai Tak Runway Park while echoing the aviation theme of the park and deepening public understanding of the work of the GFS. He said he hoped that, through the crossover of history and technology in this installation, the public and visitors would recall the brilliant legacy of Kai Tak Airport and that it would also arouse youngsters' interest in joining the aviation sector. Mr Cheung also expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of the Energizing Kowloon East Office, the GFS, the Architectural Services Department and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, as well as the support from the local communities of Kowloon City and Kwun Tong and other relevant organisations who had helped foster the realisation of the exhibition.
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     Apart from displaying the physical aircraft, the GFS has set up a new website to boost interest in the exhibition and enhance its educational purpose. The public can scan the QR codes on the poles around the aircraft to enter a virtual reality tour of the interior and exterior of the aircraft to understand the various features and their functions.
      
     The Jetstream 41 fixed-wing aircraft served the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the public from February 1999 to March 2016. The aircraft has good flying altitudes and speed control, and excellent capability for prolonged flight. It carried out various types of duties in Hong Kong and outside Hong Kong, including long-range search and rescue, anti-crime patrols and meteorological measurements. Following the earthquake in Sichuan in May 2008, the Jetstream 41 fixed-wing aircraft frequently flew between Hong Kong and Sichuan to support the Super Puma helicopter and its crew in the rescue and relief mission.   

Ends/Tuesday, July 17, 2018
Issued at HKT 18:15

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