Director-General of Civil Aviation
Director-General's Review
In 2017-18, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) sustained excellence in safeguarding aviation safety, providing a high level of air traffic management services and promoting aviation development. Such achievements stand as a testament to the concerted efforts of all dedicated CAD officers, who have been striving to enhance the quality of service to the public. I am proud to be part of CAD.
Rapid Growth of Air Traffic
During the year, CAD handled 425 050 aircraft movements at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), representing a year-on-year increase of 3.11%, as well as 339 774 flights overflying the Hong Kong Flight Information Region (HKFIR), a surge of 17.71% over the previous year. The highest-ever figure of 2 341 total movements was recorded over a 24-hour period on 24 August 2017, when HKIA recovered from the impact of Super Typhoon Hato. With the collaboration of CAD and the aviation industry, the affected flights and travellers were cleared in a safe and orderly manner.
International Recognition of Hong Kong's Air Traffic Control
Apart from reaching a record high in aircraft handling capacity, CAD also received the annual Global Safety Achievement Award 2017 from the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) in November 2017 in recognition of the department's contribution to the improved safety level and increased efficiency in the provision of air navigation services in the HKFIR through successful implementation of the new Air Traffic Management System (ATMS). The judging panel noted that deploying a new ATMS is a complex undertaking in its own right, and in the case of CAD, this provided more than a new traffic management system. It also delivered automatic safety net features deserving of specific recognition.
While we took pride in international commendation, the recognition given by the “users” themselves also brought fulfilment to the hearts of our colleagues, who provided round-the-clock service to the public. 2018 marks the 20th anniversary of HKIA. When making remarks about HKIA, industry experts, local or overseas, acknowledged the professionalism and efficiency of Air Traffic Control Officers of Hong Kong.
Promotion of Aviation Safety and Development of Aviation Industry
The protection and enhancement of aviation safety cannot depend solely on air traffic control personnel. CAD officers and industry experts also contributed to safeguarding aviation safety by playing their own roles and abiding by their own duties. As soccer legend Pelé once said, “No one plays alone. Success depends on your whole team being a single unit.”
Hong Kong has been actively participating in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) meetings and activities over the years, and that CAD officers have chaired many different sub-groups or regional meetings and provided professional comments to help the ICAO formulate guidelines on different technical issues. Hong Kong has also taken a pioneering role in implementing ICAO initiatives. During the year, CAD and ICAO organised the ICAO Traveller Identification Programme Regional Seminar at CAD Headquarters. The fact that ICAO chose Hong Kong as the first city in the Asia-Pacific region to co-host the seminar highlights Hong Kong's status as an international and regional aviation hub, and its active role in safeguarding global aviation safety.
CAD and Thailand's air navigation service provider (ANSP), namely Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Limited, assisted the ICAO in completing a comprehensive technical and operational assessment of the Common Regional Virtual Private Network (CRV) and achieved satisfactory results. The successful outcome indicates that the CRV is ready to provide services to all ANSPs in the Asia-Pacific region. As we constantly strive for the highest standards of quality and efficiency, CAD is working closely with other ANSPs to formally launch the CRV, so as to significantly enhance the transmission speed of aeronautical information, support the scalability of information and enhance related services.
Looking ahead
To meet the growing demand of air traffic and maintain Hong Kong's competitiveness as an international and regional aviation hub, a Three-Runway System (3RS) project is in full swing. CAD undertakes the monitoring role to ensure that the project meets the relevant requirements set by the ICAO. At the same time, CAD needs to ensure adequacy and readiness of its manpower to handle the robust growth in air traffic of Hong Kong, including the traffic growth brought about by the future 3RS operation. For 3RS operation, CAD would need to fine-tune and develop new arrival and departure ATC-related procedures and draft detailed technical design of the future control tower operations.
Situated at the heart of Asia, HKIA boasts a vast global network. This, together with the rapid development across the Pearl River Delta and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as well as the commissioning of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, promises ample opportunities for our air passenger and cargo business. We will continue our mission in promoting the development of the aviation industry and maintaining a safe, efficient and well-ordered air traffic, which will further strengthen Hong Kong's position as an aviation hub both regionally and internationally.
