The Air Traffic Management Division (ATMD) is responsible for the provision of air navigation services to civil aircraft operating within the Hong Kong Flight Information Region (HKFIR). The services include air traffic services, and search and rescue coordination. With the mission of providing safe, reliable and sustainable air navigation services, and maintaining efficient and orderly air traffic operations within the HKFIR, the ATMD is also responsible for the training of air traffic control (ATC) personnel, provision of aeronautical telecommunication services and design of ATC procedures.
During the year, the ATMD continued to provide safe and efficient ATC services in a dedicated and professional manner and meet the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. In light of the reduction of global air traffic, the ATMD seized the opportunity to augment the training programmes and ATC procedures, and collaborated with neighbouring air navigation service providers to make ready for air traffic recovery. The ATMD also actively participated in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) meetings through online platforms to keep abreast of the latest global aviation development.
During this financial year, there were a total of 146 932 aircraft movements at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) handled by the ATMD. In addition, the division handled 102 002 overflights transiting the HKFIR (15 272 of which were flights into and out of Macao International Airport). Despite the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on air traffic operations has yet to subside, aircraft movements at the HKIA and the number of overflights handled by the ATMD increased year-over-year by 11.98% and 21.85% respectively. The number of cargo flights has increased by 14.8% compared with 2021.
The ATMD will continue to closely monitor the post pandemic air traffic recovery rate and judiciously increase the runway capacity at various periods as demand resurges.
Flight safety is of paramount importance in the ATC field. To ensure that the Civil Aviation Department maintains the safety standard, the ATMD's Training and Safety Section administered the validation examinations for the issuance of initial ATC qualification to Student Air Traffic Control Officers (SATCOs) according to a well-established mechanism. The ATMD's Operations Section also conducted regular re-validation examinations to verify the standard and competency of rated Air Traffic Control Officers (ATCOs). In the year, 240 validation and revalidation examinations were conducted in the four ATC streams, i.e. Aerodrome Control, Approach Control, Terminal Control and Area Control. On top of that, the ATMD also conducted examinations and issued certificates for officers who had attained other ATC-related qualifications, such as the ATC Meteorological Reporter Certificates, On-the-job Training Instructor Certificates and Flow Control Certificates.
To identify suitable candidates with potential in the ATC aspects and to ensure they are properly trained, the ATMD's Training and Safety Section has a comprehensive recruitment process and training plan for the ATC staff. A total of eight ATCOs III, 17 SATCOs and 17 ATFSOs III were recruited in batches and joined the CAD in the 2021-22 financial year. Another round of recruitment exercises were launched in the same financial year and targeted to intake around 40 ATCOs III and SATCOs in total in the coming financial years.
In addition, the ATMD periodically reviewed relevant tests in recruitment exercises for various posts to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of recruitment operations.
As at 31 March 2022, there were 353 ATCO grade and 138 ATFSO grade established posts in the CAD.
To equip SATCOs with the required aviation knowledge, a series of well-designed training will be arranged for them after they joined the ATMD. They are required to complete the training programme, which comprises a number of modules at different stages, so as to perform operational ATC duties independently. To start with, SATCOs are provided with induction training to acquire basic aviation and ATC knowledge. They will then attend courses on basic ATC and basic flying knowledge as part of their professional training.
The basic ATC course aims to impart fundamental ATC knowledge and skills to SATCOs through theoretical and practical training to meet the training requirements set by the ICAO. In the past, these courses were provided by overseas approved training organisations. Since 2019, the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy of the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has started to provide local Basic ATC Courses. Up to the end of March 2022, a total of 62 SATCOs have completed this local course.
Courses on basic flying knowledge will also be arranged for SATCOs to broaden their exposure to various aspects of the ATC operations from the perspective of airspace users and to enhance their understanding of basic principles of aircraft operations.
To attain the ATC professional qualifications, SATCOs will then attend specialised ATC rating courses. In addition to classroom learning, there are practical simulator exercises in the ATC Surveillance Simulator or the Control Tower Simulator. Subject to satisfactory performance in the simulator practice, SATCOs will be given on-the-job training at operational working positions. During the training, SATCOs have to achieve the required standards to perform the ATC duties independently before they can be recommended for initial qualification checks. After passing the initial qualification check, a SATCO will progress to an ATCO III. To become a fully qualified air traffic control officer, i.e. an ATCO II, further specialised ATC rating training is indispensable. It normally takes around five to seven years for a SATCO to become an ATCO II.
To ensure an uninterrupted supply of qualified ATC manpower, the ATMD developed a well-crafted training programme for the ATC personnel. The training programme is reviewed regularly to ensure operational needs are fulfilled and the anticipated air traffic growth can be coped with.
During this financial year, 28 professional ATC training courses were conducted and 85 ATC ratings or professional ATC qualifications were issued.
Furthermore, advanced training in various aspects, including search and rescue, project risk management, coaching and counselling skills, quality management, safety management and instrument flight procedure design, were also arranged for the ATC staff to equip them with the requisite knowledge to perform specialised duties.
The ability of air traffic controllers to handle high volume of traffic and emergency situations is always of utmost importance. Despite the significant reduction in air traffic volume due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ATMD arranged regular refresher simulator training in the year to ensure the competency of controllers and trainees under on-the-job training in handling various situations and to prepare for the recovery of the aviation industry.
Hong Kong ATC Centre has currently implemented the AIDC operations with a total of four adjacent ATC centres, namely Guangzhou, Sanya, Taipei and Manila ATC Centres. With the enhanced accuracy brought about by the introduction of the AIDC operation for handling of flight information transfer, air traffic is managed in a safe and more efficient manner. In addition, utilisation of the AIDC messages for Transfer of Radar Identification has been adopted by Hong Kong with the ATC Centres of Guangzhou, Sanya and Taipei. The ATC surveillance capability of aircraft operations has been immensely improved. The overall operational efficiency in air traffic management has taken a huge leap forward after the implementation of the AIDC operation.
While the AAHK is pursuing on developing Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) into a Three-runway System (3RS), the ATMD has been making preparation to facilitate a safe and seamless transition of the ATC operations from the current Two-runway System (2RS) to the Interim Two-runway System (I-2RS) and finally the 3RS. Aerodrome control service for the new North Runway and associated taxiways will be provided by the Interim ATC Tower (IAT) located in the extended airport platform during the I-2RS stage. With the provision of a new control tower simulator, conversion training for the ATC staff to familiarise with the new operational procedures have been conducted as scheduled during the year.
The use of Approach Path Monitoring (APM) and Departure Path Monitoring (DPM) on the existing runways in detecting departures and arrivals at the HKIA deviating from the pre-defined flight paths and causing controlled flight into terrain was considered effective since their implementation in 2019. Upon evaluation, the use of the APM and DPM will be extended to support the monitoring of aircraft operations from the new North Runway which will be commissioned in 2022.
The new North Runway was planned for operation in 2022. While the construction of the associated facilitates and the preparatory work were in progress, the instrument flight procedures and the aerodrome data pertinent to the new North Runway were published in advance in January 2022 for operators to ensure their operational readiness for the opening of the new runway.
To promote flight safety, the Hong Kong Sector Flight Safety Committee comprising local airspace users continued to meet regularly to coordinate flight safety issues in the local low-level airspace. These local airspace users include fixed wing operators and rotary wing operators (Government Flying Service (GFS), the People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison, Sky Shuttle Helicopters Limited, Heliservices (Hong Kong) Limited and Hong Kong Aviation Club), Hong Kong Paragliding Association and private aircraft owners.
To develop a Hong Kong Performance-based Navigation (PBN) implementation strategy in line with the ICAO regional and global air navigation plan initiatives, Hong Kong PBN Planning and Implementation (PIT) Team, which comprises representatives from local airline operators, regulators, flight procedure designers, engineers, International Air Transport Association and Hong Kong Airline Pilots Association holds regular meetings to address issues associated with PBN implementation, including coordination of transition plans.
To prepare for the commissioning of the new North Runway which was scheduled for operation in 2022, the ATMD conducted a PBN PIT meeting in February 2022. In addition to the implementation progress and achievements of PBN, the participants were briefed on the new instrument flight procedures announced in January 2022 and the associated I-2RS mode of operations. The information facilitated their understanding of the operational requirements and preparation of operational readiness. With an aim of promoting the effective use of new aviation technologies and advanced capabilities to enhance safety, efficiency, capacity and environmental performance, the latest PBN initiatives, infrastructures, their practical use and equipage requirements were discussed.
The PBN PIT will continue to serve as a platform for active collaboration and co-operation of all stakeholders for formulating strategies to enhance the performance of the air navigation system in a harmonised and coordinated manner in Hong Kong.
The ATMD maintained close liaison with regional and international SAR authorities and continued to participate in local and international aeronautical SAR meetings. To strengthen SAR support, 24 experienced ATCOs had attended SAR training to equip them with specialised knowledge to perform SAR coordination duties this year. SAR refresher training had also been provided to rated ATCOs to maintain their competency in SAR coordination procedures and to keep them abreast of the latest SAR development.
The Aeronautical Information Management Centre (AIMC) is responsible for the provision of aeronautical information to the aviation community in the form of aeronautical information products necessary for the safety, regularity and efficiency of air navigation. Aeronautical information products provided by the AIMC include the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP), AIP Amendment, AIP Supplement, Aeronautical Information Circular, Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and aeronautical charts. The AIMC is also responsible for processing flight plans for flights departing from the HKIA.
In the year, the AIMC handled 994 018 NOTAMs and 76 068 flight plans.
The Aeronautical Network Centre (ANC) offers reliable, high quality and efficient telecommunication services for the exchange of air traffic service messages and operational meteorological messages to support provision of air navigation services. In addition, ANC provides 24-hour aeronautical broadcasting service by means of voice and digital dispatch to aircraft in flight for acquiring latest weather information necessary for flight operation. To ensure safe network security for Air Traffic Control Systems, ANC monitors the firewall systems in real time and provides 24-hour network security alerting service.
In the year, the total number of ATS messages handled by the Air Traffic Message Handling System was recorded at 56 313 954, representing an increase of 11% as compared with 2020 due to gradual recovery of global aviation from COVID-19 pandemic. On aeronautical broadcasting service, the number of operational meteorological messages dispatched to aircraft in flight was 321 944.
Regarding the implementation of Common Aeronautical Virtual Private Network (CRV), Hong Kong has further expanded the network infrastructure by successfully establishing a new CRV circuit with Beijing since April 2021. Together with the existing CRV circuits with Fukuoka, Manila and Taipei, the overall efficiency and reliability of Aeronautical Fixed Service have been significantly enhanced.
The CAD has been actively participating in harmonising the Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) with other Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) in the Asia-Pacific region. Working hand in hand, the CAD and the relevant authorities in Singapore, Thailand and China jointly developed the Distributed Multi-nodal ATFM network, which is a concept of Common Operational Procedure (COP) for the ATFM applicable to the Asia-Pacific region and promoted it to many Southeast Asian countries, such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, etc. This concept is also adopted and established as a framework of cross-border ATFM in the Asia-Pacific region by the ICAO.
The primary ATFM measure in the COP is the use of Ground Delay Programme. It regulates the air traffic flow by allocating Calculated Take-Off Time to offset airborne delay, so as to solve the imbalance of demand and capacity of the airport and airspace caused by weather or other unpredicted events. Flights could then be managed in a more organised manner, and fuel consumption and environmental pollution could be reduced.
In the year, operational trials of the Programme with neighbouring ANSPs continued for system and procedure enhancement and the ATFM personnel familiarisation. Having signed an operational agreement on the ATFM cooperation with Japan last year, the CAD is working with the Republic of Korea on signing a similar agreement to standardise the mode of operation so as to enhance the efficiency of the ATFM. The collaboration allows the CAD to act as a bridge between Northeast and Southeast Asia so as to provide better air navigation services for the entire Asia-Pacific region.
To consolidate and enhance the status of Hong Kong as an international aviation hub, and support the development of a world-class airport cluster in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), including the construction of the 3RS at the HKIA and the expansion of other airports in the GBA, the CAD has been working closely with the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Macao (AACM) through the Tripartite Working Group (TWG) on ATM issues in the GBA. The objective is to collaboratively formulate appropriate measures, with a view to allowing every airport in the region to operate at their best efficiency. Over the years, a number of air traffic control improvement measures have already been implemented, which optimised the air traffic management in the region and facilitated air traffic in the region to sustainably develop in a safe and efficient manner.
In the year, the TWG completed the GBA Airspace Fast Time Simulation Modelling Report. The report actively explores new ideas about airspace development in the GBA and lays a solid foundation for continuing to promote close co-operation among the three parties. The TWG will launch a study on airspace planning of the airport cluster in the GBA and will continue to proactively explore suitable application of new technologies to promote advancement and enhancement of air traffic control operations in the GBA through innovation.
The CAD will continue to collaborate with the CAAC and AACM to actively study and implement various measures for the optimisation of the GBA airspace management, with a view to enabling the 3RS of the HKIA to progressively achieve the target runway capacity of 102 air traffic movements per hour in the long run, and strengthening Hong Kong's status as an international and regional aviation hub.
To mitigate and minimise safety risks during daily operations, ATMD has implemented a comprehensive Safety Management System, with an aim to prioritise safety, enhance safety culture within the division, and continuously improve safety performance in Hong Kong airspace. Under safety risk management, various activities such as safety data collection and analysis are conducted in order to proactively identify potential safety issues. Appropriate risk mitigation measures and corrective actions may then be implemented in a timely manner to prevent occurrence of safety related events.
The ATMD monitors safety performance continuously and compiles quarterly summaries, which are reviewed by the Air Traffic Management Standards Office, the regulatory office of air traffic management related matters independent of the ATMD. In addition, there is an internal audit programme for various key functional areas of the ATMD to ensure all operations are up to the standards and the safety management requirements.
The ATMD will continue to apply safety risk management principles in managing various air traffic enhancement plans related to the 3RS project at the HKIA and other initiatives in the HKFIR to ensure that identified risks are mitigated properly.
Being one of the leading ANSPs in the Asia-Pacific region, the ATMD is committed to maintaining continuous and close collaboration with other ANSPs in the region through active participation in various video conferences and webinars convened by the ICAO, the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation and other civil aviation authorities. In the year, the ATMD contributed to various virtual international meetings by sharing with industry partners valuable experience of implementation of new ATM enhancement initiatives, e.g. implementation of enhanced wake turbulence separation in Hong Kong, ATFM for Asia-Pacific region, etc., and deliberating on significant subjects related to ATM matters with an aim of ensuring seamless integration of important air navigation services upgrades in the aviation industry.