In response to the market changes in the aviation industry under the epidemic, the CAD continued to work closely with the trade to support their operations. For instance, extra manpower resources were deployed to facilitate the processing of flight applications from airlines. Over the year, the CAD handled and approved applications for about 24 000 extra sections and charter all-cargo flights. The requirement of 80% slot usage for retaining slots in the next equivalent International Air Transport Association season was further suspended for the Summer Season 2022 to provide airlines with greater flexibility in aircraft deployment and business planning. The CAD also actively took part in video conferences held by different civil aviation organisations to discuss with the trade strategies for tackling problems brought by the pandemic and the preparations for the recovery of the aviation industry.
Apart from coping with the pandemic, the CAD spared no effort to boost its pivotal work in different aspects, including the launch of 100% security screening for export air cargo on 1 July 2021. The CAD has been actively coordinating with stakeholders of the air cargo industry. With their strong support, over 150 Regulated Air Cargo Screening Facilities have been recognised by the CAD for conducting air cargo security screening at off-airport locations. The successful implementation as well as the compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization's policy direction on air cargo security as scheduled not only enhanced Hong Kong's screening capacity for export air cargo, but also strengthened air cargo security as a whole, maintaining our leading status as an international air cargo hub.
To pave the way for the commencement of Small Unmanned Aircraft (SUA) Order, a subsidiary legislation under the Civil Aviation Ordinance (Cap. 448), on 1 June 2022, the CAD has accomplished a number of preparatory work in the year. These included the launch of the Small Unmanned Aircraft Advanced Training Organisation Scheme to provide advanced training courses and assessments for remote pilots conducting higher risk SUA operations, and a trial run of the one-stop electronic platform “eSUA” by phases starting from January 2022 for the public to familiarise themselves with the new requirements in advance. The CAD also conducted publicity and educational programmes through various channels, maintained communication with major SUA/model aircraft associations and manufacturers, and organised seminars to enhance safety awareness of SUA operations among stakeholders and the general public. No doubt the new regulatory regime will realise the potential of SUA application while safeguarding aviation and public safety.
The new runway at the HKIA was planned for commissioning in 2022. The CAD has geared up for its launch through the publication of the instrument flight procedures and the aerodrome data pertinent to the new runway in advance, coordination with stakeholders such as the Flight Inspection Center of Civil Aviation Administration of China, Airport Authority Hong Kong and Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre to conduct flight check for the new runway between March and April 2022; as well as installation of a new Control Tower Simulator (CTS) at the CAD Headquarters and upgrading the existing CTS to facilitate training of air traffic control officers.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has yet completely subsided, I believe that every challenge is also an opportunity. With our concerted efforts and resilience, complemented with Hong Kong's unique edges and opportunities brought about by the national development, I am confident that we can voyage through the turbulence and the aviation industry will eventually fly high again.