The Air Services and Safety Management Division (ASMD) is responsible for monitoring the operations of airlines in compliance with bilateral air services arrangements; providing information to relevant authorities regarding air transport licence applications by local airlines and for air services negotiations; providing schedule co-ordination and slot allocation services to airlines and other aircraft operators; developing and implementing noise mitigating measures; setting out and implementing safety policy to promote and enhance safety of the aviation system; and regulating Hong Kong air navigation services. The ASMD is also responsible for handling civil aviation legislative matters; regulating the operations of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Hong Kong; furnishing air traffic statistics to international organisations; and coordinating the formulation of departmental training policy for departmental professional grade staff.

Air Services

Air Traffic

In 2020-21, under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was 0.83 million of passenger throughput, representing a year-on-year decrease of 99%. Cargo throughput stood at 4.56 million tonnes, representing a year-on-year drop of 1%. Aircraft movements also experienced a year-on-year drop of 66%, with 127 759 movements recorded in the reporting year. During the year, 108 airlines operated direct services to and from Hong Kong, covering 143 cities/airports.

Recognising the crisis and difficulties faced by the aviation industry as a result of the pandemic, the ASMD has taken a proactive approach in supporting the industry’s operations. The surge in cargo capacity demand, following cancellations of passenger services, the need to transport urgent medical and humanitarian supplies and heavier reliance on e-commerce, was unprecedented. In response to this shifted demand, the ASMD made swift arrangements and re-deployed extra manpower resources temporarily to facilitate the processing of flight applications from airlines. As a result, during the year, the ASMD handled and approved applications for about 23 000 extra section and charter all-cargo flights. A 26% increase in cargo flight movements was recorded. The ASMD will keep working closely with the industry in tackling the challenges ahead.

Services by Local Carriers

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, services by local carriers as at the end of March 2021 were outlined in the ensuing paragraphs.

Cathay Pacific Airways Limited operated direct services to 56 destinations worldwide, adding Kathmandu to its network.

AHK Air Hong Kong Limited operated direct all-cargo services to 15 destinations in Asia, including new destinations to Chengdu and Kuala Lumpur.

Hong Kong Airlines Limited operated direct services to 14 destinations, including a new destination to Sydney.

Hong Kong Express Airways Limited is the only low cost carrier in Hong Kong. It operated direct passenger services to one destination.

Hong Kong Air Cargo Carrier Limited operated direct all-cargo services to 13 destinations, including new destinations to Chennai and Delhi.

Heliservices (Hong Kong) Limited continued to operate local passenger charters and aerial work services.

As part of the restructuring of Cathay Pacific Group in response to the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group’s subsidiary airline, Hong Kong Dragon Airlines Limited, ceased operations from 21 October 2020.

The services of Sky Shuttle Helicopters Limited has been put on hold since 4 February 2020 due to the suspension of passenger clearance services at the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal.

Services by Non-Hong Kong Carriers

Two non-Hong Kong airlines launched new scheduled all-cargo services to Hong Kong during the year. Air Transport International started services from Guam in July 2020 and C.A.L - Cargo Airlines Limited commenced services from Tel Aviv in November 2020.

Four non-Hong Kong airlines launched new scheduled services to Hong Kong for the carriage of cargo using passenger aircraft during the year. They include Aerovias de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., for services from Mexico City in October 2020; AirAsia X Berhad, for services from Kuala Lumpur in December 2020; Thai AirAsia X Company Limited, for services from Bangkok in January 2021; and Wind Rose Aviation Company, for services from Kiev in March 2021.

On the other hand, two airlines suspended their scheduled services to and from Hong Kong – Sky Gates Airlines in April 2020 and Virgin Australia International in May 2020¹.

During the year, the CAD issued 116 operating permits to airlines for operation of scheduled services to and from Hong Kong, and processed around 10 500 applications for changes to the schedules. A total of 1 968 permits were also issued for the operation of charter services to, from and in Hong Kong.

Tariffs

During the year, the CAD processed 349 tariff filings for carriage of passengers and cargo on scheduled services to and from Hong Kong. The time-limited arrangement to allow airlines to levy cargo fuel surcharge based on the current cargo fuel surcharge mechanism of the CAD for flights originating from Hong Kong continued.

Air Transport Licensing

In accordance with the Air Transport (Licensing of Air Services) Regulations (Chapter 448A), any person intending to use Hong Kong-registered aircraft to operate scheduled services to carry passengers, mail or cargo must apply to the Air Transport Licensing Authority for a licence for such operations. During the year, the CAD provided the Air Transport Licensing Authority with air services-related information and statistics with regard to one application for licence and one application for variation of licence.

Slot Allocation

In accordance with the Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines (WASG), the Hong Kong Schedule Coordination Office (HKSCO) of the CAD managed slot allocation in a fair, neutral and transparent manner, with a view to ensuring the efficient utilisation of existing airport infrastructure.

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, slot requests at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) reduced significantly. A total of 133 463 slots was allocated to airlines and other operators at the HKIA in the year which represented a drop of 65.1% compared to the previous year.

According to the WASG, airlines are usually entitled to retain a series of slots for the next equivalent season if their flights were operated at least 80% of the slots allocated.

To relieve the pandemic pressures placed upon the aviation industry, the CAD informed airlines in July 2020 and February 2021 that the dispensation of the 80% utilisation rule from August 2019 would be extended to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Winter Season 2020 and IATA Summer Season 2021 respectively. All scheduled flights cancelled in accordance with the waiver conditions would be deemed as operated when they are considered for historic entitlement for the next equivalent IATA Season. This relief measure has provided stakeholders with greater flexibility in resource management to meet the challenges.

Aircraft Noise Management

The CAD is conscious of the noise impact that aircraft operations may have on local community and has implemented a series of noise mitigating measures based on the guidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The division monitored the implementation of various noise mitigating measures and aircraft noise situations in various districts through the computerised Aircraft Noise and Flight Track Monitoring System. The system comprises 16 outdoor noise monitoring terminals which are installed at strategic locations in Hong Kong to monitor and record noise data for aircraft operating into and out of the HKIA, and a computer system which correlates noise data collected with the actual aircraft flight tracks detected by the CAD’s radar system.

Apart from the aircraft noise abatement operational procedures, the CAD has prohibited aircraft not meeting the relevant aircraft noise standards from landing and taking off in Hong Kong since 2002. To further alleviate aircraft noise disturbance to local communities, starting from end of March 2019, aircraft that do not comply with the noise standards stipulated in Volume I, Part II, Chapter 4 of Annex 16 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, or equivalent, are not allowed to operate at the HKIA between 10 pm and 7 am the following day. The CAD will review this arrangement from time to time and closely monitor the latest developments of ICAO, the international aviation industry and the operation of the HKIA in considering the need to step up the relevant requirement.

During the year, the division handled 296 aircraft noise complaints. Detailed investigation was carried out for every single case and the results would be explained to the complainants. In an effort to enhance the understanding of the noise mitigating measures and noise monitoring work by the local community, the division maintained close liaison with the District Councils.

Activities of International Civil Aviation Organization

To maintain the status of Hong Kong as a centre of international and regional civil aviation in accordance with the provisions of the Basic Law, and to facilitate the discharge of Hong Kong’s responsibilities under the regional air navigation procedures of ICAO, the CAD continued to participate actively in ICAO’s activities including meetings, symposiums, seminars, etc. During the year, the CAD representatives attended two ICAO meetings which were limited to states as part of the delegation of the People’s Republic of China, and 36 ICAO meetings which were not so limited, using the name "Hong Kong, China". Details of these 38 meetings are provided in the Appendix. The CAD also exchanged 554 letters with ICAO, the majority of which involved comments and information on technical matters related to civil aviation.

Activities of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)

The CAD has consistently supported aviation related activities and initiatives of APEC using the name "Hong Kong, China". During the year, the CAD handled 16 requests relating to APEC, which involved provision of comments and information on technical matters related to civil aviation.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

In Hong Kong, the UAS are classified as aircraft and are governed, as far as aviation safety is concerned, by the civil aviation legislation. According to Article 48 of the Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order 1995 (Cap. 448C), a person shall not recklessly or negligently cause or permit an aircraft (including the UAS) to endanger any person or property.

For the purpose of safeguarding public safety while accommodating the technological development and diversified uses of the UAS, the CAD is reviewing the regulatory regime for the UAS in Hong Kong. As part of the review and to explore ways to refine the prevailing regulatory regime, the CAD conducted a consultancy study and launched a public consultation. After assessing the views collected, the CAD drew up detailed proposals and consulted the Legislative Council Panel on Economic Development on 24 June 2019. The CAD will continue to follow up with the comments raised and work on the draft legislation of the enhanced regulatory regime for the UAS.

To facilitate the implementation arrangements, an electronic portal, in the form of a mobile application and a web portal, is under development. The portal will include a map to indicate areas restricted from the UAS operations for reference. At the same time, the CAD will keep up its publicity and educational efforts through various means, including publishing safety information and guidelines on the CAD’s website, distributing safety leaflets, broadcasting safety messages through television and radio stations, and communicating regularly with major UAS/model aircraft associations and manufacturers, so as to raise the safety awareness of the relevant sectors and organisations, as well as the general public, about the UAS operations.

Strategic Safety Office

The Strategic Safety Office is responsible for implementing safety management initiatives and requirements. It plans and coordinates the State Safety Programme and Continuous Monitoring Approach activities for the CAD and promotes the effective implementation of safety management principles.

Continuous Monitoring Approach (CMA) Implementation

Under the CMA adopted by ICAO, all states and administrations are required to provide relevant information for ICAO’s continuous review with the purpose of enhancing the safety oversight capability of states and administrations and promoting global aviation safety.

During the year, the CAD sustained its efforts to proactively implement the CMA activities through a coordinated approach, which included formulation of action plans and associated tasks, provision of updated information to ICAO and regular review of the CMA documentation.

ICAO State Safety Programme (SSP) Implementation

The CAD continued to implement the SSP according to the Hong Kong Aviation Safety Programme (HKASP), which was reviewed and updated with reference to the latest ICAO’s requirements and guidance on safety management.

With the publication of its Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP) 2020-2022 edition, ICAO presented an enhanced global roadmap for the continuous improvement of aviation safety. In support of the implementation of the GASP, the CAD joined ICAO’s ad-hoc working group for the development of the Asia-Pacific Regional Aviation Safety Plan (AP-RASP) 2020-2022 edition, charting the strategies to strengthen safety oversight and reduce operational safety risks in the region.

The Director General of Civil Aviation was elected as the Chairperson of the Regional Aviation Safety Group – Asia Pacific (RASG-APAC) of ICAO for a three-year term on 17 December 2020. With a current membership of 41 APAC states/administrations, the RASG-APAC aims to develop and implement a regional performance framework for the management of aviation safety and serves as a regional platform to promote safety initiatives. The CAD will continue to support the RASG on various regional safety strategies, including the promotion of aviation safety with regional partners and exchange of the SSP implementation experience.

The CAD will continue to periodically review and refine our existing safety oversight system and implement the related global aviation safety strategies and safety management provisions with a view to continually enhancing our safety regulation.

Air Traffic Management Standards Office (ATMSO)

The ATMSO is responsible for ensuring that a high standard of safety in the provision of air navigation services in Hong Kong is established, achieved and maintained.

Safety Oversight Activities

The ATMSO conducted regular audits and safety inspections on the Air Traffic Management Division (ATMD) and Air Traffic Engineering Services Division. During the year, a total of 28 audits and safety inspections were conducted.

The safety inspections included air traffic management and communication, navigation and surveillance activities in operations, procedures, training and examinations; Safety Management System (SMS) implementation; air traffic control (ATC) equipment/systems; safety occurrences investigations; maintenance arrangement; internal audits and follow-up actions arising from safety recommendations.

As part of its duties, the ATMSO participated in the preliminary investigations of all ATC incidents jointly with the ATMD investigators to determine the category and severity of the incident. A decision would then be made as to the form of investigation to be conducted in accordance with the established provisions. During the year, the ATMSO conducted safety review of ATC incidents.

Through the Air Navigation Services Standards Coordination Meeting and the Air Traffic Safety Assessment Committee, the ATMSO also regularly reviewed issues pertinent to safety occurrences, implementation of the SMS and safe air navigation service provisions in collaboration with air navigation service provider and the safety personnel of other stakeholders including Flight Standards and Airworthiness Division, major local airline operators and the Government Flying Service to promote continual development and improvement.

Documentation

The ATMSO reviews and updates existing regulatory documents periodically to ensure that they remain accurate, valid and up-to-date.

Personnel Licensing for Air Traffic Controllers

In accordance with the standards in ICAO Annex 1 and the requirements of Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order 1995, the ATMSO processed 120 initial awards of ATC Licences, ATC Ratings and Certificates of Competency, as well as 285 renewals of Ratings and Certificates.

Safety Promotion

For safety promotion, the ATMSO conducted periodic briefings on safety culture and the SMS as well as issuing safety promotion information to air navigation service providers and staff of maintenance service providers to reinforce safety oversight and safety management concepts. In addition, the ATMSO regularly published regulatory information and safety management materials on the intranet for convenient access by all air navigation services staff.

Training and Development

The ASMD provided support in formulating the departmental training policy and making recommendations on the endorsement of the departmental training programme. Through regular liaisons with divisional training coordinators, the ASMD also helped organise department-wide training events.

Knowledge Management Activities

To further foster a continuous learning culture in the CAD, the ASMD organised knowledge management activities such as talks on latest aviation developments or trends and visits to major stakeholders.

Aviation Education Path

The Aviation Education Path (AEP) continued to serve as a valuable gateway for the CAD to enhance the public understanding of the functions and responsibilities of various divisions of the CAD, the historical developments of civil aviation in Hong Kong, the ongoing construction of the Three-Runway System and the importance of aviation safety.

Owing to the pandemic, the AEP was closed for most of the time in the year. The CAD grasped the opportunity to enhance and update the exhibits to introduce the latest and future aviation development and technologies in Hong Kong. New exhibits including an Immersed Flight Simulation, restoration of the First-generation Air Traffic Management System (AT-1) showcase console and the latest Digital Tower facilities were added to enhance visitors’ experience.

¹ Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, 23 airlines suspended their scheduled services to and from Hong Kong before the end of March 2020 and had not resumed services during the year. They were Air Asia Berhad, Air Astana, Air Busan, Air Japan, Air Mauritius, Air Seoul, Bangkok Airways, Bismillah Airlines, CargoLogicAir, Eastar Jet, Jeju Air, Jetstar Japan, Jin Air, Lanmei Airlines, Malindo Air, Pacific Airlines, Peach Aviation, Shandong Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Siberia Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines and T’way Air.