ýÿThe Fire Services Department (FSD) and the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy (HKIAA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today (September 30) to jointly nurture emergency response specialists for aviation incidents for the aviation industry of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with a view to strengthening Hong Kong's status as an international aviation hub and a training centre.
 
     The FSD and the HKIAA will collaborate in the training of emergency response specialists for aviation incidents and the promotion of related programmes. With the emergency response capabilities of the FSD, the advanced simulation training facilities of the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy and the HKIAA's extensive experience in personnel development, the collaboration will maximise the synergy effect in cultivating aviation emergency responders for the Belt and Road aviation industry and profoundly enhance the operational efficiency of the industry in handling aviation incidents.
 
     Witnessed by the Director of Fire Services, Mr Andy Yeung, and the Chief Executive Officer of the HKIA Services Holdings Limited, Mr Ng Chi-kee, the MoU was signed by Deputy Chief Fire Officer (Operational Support and Professional Development), Mr Ng Chan-leung, and the President of the HKIAA, Mr Simon Li.
      
     Mr Yeung said that the FSD has long been supportive to the HKSAR Government in consolidating Hong Kong's status as an international aviation hub. The department's Airport Fire Contingent conforms to the recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization to provide aerodrome emergency rescue and firefighting services at the Hong Kong International Airport. Moreover, the FSD's Aircraft Incidents Training Team proactively provides various training courses for the aviation industry of Hong Kong and the rest of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) to promote communication and mutual recognition of professional qualifications between the two places, to foster the development of the GBA, to boost the professionalism and the international status of the trainees in the industry, and to cultivate aviation emergency responders for the Belt and Road.
      
     Mr Ng Chi-kee said that the full recovery of the aviation industry is on the way. With the anticipated growth of air traffic, the need for training on aviation emergency responses will gradually increase. Leveraging on the experiences and expertise of both the FSD and the HKIAA, the signing of the MoU is an important milestone that lays the foundation for supporting the aviation industry both locally and along the regions of the Belt and Road. It will also further consolidate Hong Kong's status as an international aviation hub and training centre.

Ends/Friday, September 30, 2022
Issued at HKT 17:50

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