I've never seen one from my spotting. Even corporate jets are hard to come by. Perhaps they use Shek Kong, but I'm not too sure.

Shek Kong is owned by the PLA air force. Commercial and corporate are not allowed to use it and can land and take off at CLK only. HK Aviation Club is leasing the airport space from PLA and is allowed to use the airport only on Saturday and Sunday.

From news.gov.hk:
HK airport named most efficient, world's best (http://news.gov.hk/en/category/infrastructureandlogistics/070709/html/070709en06002.htm)

Hong Kong airport is thriving despite tough competition
13 July 2007
South China Morning Post

I am writing to correct factual errors in the letter from F. Wong ("Airport authority's meagre profit a laughing stock", July 6).

The fees and charges at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) are among the world's most competitive. A 2006 review by the UK-based Transport Research Laboratory found that, of 50 major international airports surveyed, HKIA had the third most competitive fees.

At March 31, Airport Authority Hong Kong had 1,052 permanent staff, rather than the 11,000 claimed by F. Wong. Over the past five years, our passenger and cargo volumes have grown by about 35 per cent and 70 per cent, respectively, while our workforce has increased by just 14 per cent.

HKIA faces increasing competition from facilities in Shenzhen, Macau and Guangzhou, and other parts of Asia. That competitive environment has created an organisation-wide focus on customer satisfaction, a focus that regularly results in our being named the world's best airport. In March, we received that accolade from the Airports Council International in their Airport Service Quality Awards. Airport infrastructure takes a long time to plan and construct.

The newly-opened Terminal 2 (T2) was built to accommodate current demand and provide the long-term capacity needed to ensure HKIA's position as a leading regional and international aviation hub. Oasis Hong Kong Airlines and Emirates now operate from T2, and Thai Airways and Qatar Airways are scheduled to begin operating from the new terminal later this year. Passenger feedback on T2 has been positive.

Contrary to F. Wong's assertion, the airport authority does not run hotels, golf courses, restaurants or shops. We do, however, partner with independent franchisees, which provide world-class goods and services to our customers.

Finally, under the Airport Authority Ordinance, we are required to conduct our business according to prudent commercial principles.

The authority has achieved a profit margin that is consistent with other major international airports.

Stephanie Li, chief communication officer, Airport Authority Hong Kong

Passengers, cargo and air traffic on rise, says HKIA
Hong Kong Standard
Monday, July 16, 2007

Hong Kong International Airport reported a good performance in the first half of this year with increases in passengers, cargo volumes and air traffic movements.
Compared to the corresponding period in 2006, the first six months of 2007 saw:

Passenger volume up 6.4 percent to 22.7 million;
Cargo traffic grew 1.5 percent to 1.7 million tonnes; and
ATMs increased 4.4 percent to 143,000.

Compared to June 2006, passenger and cargo volumes and ATMs all increased 5.7 percent, 5.3 percent, and 5.6 percent respectively.

Hong Kong Airport Authority chief executive Stanley Hui Hon-chung said HKIA expects passenger outbound volume to increase "as Hong Kong people take summer holidays, plus strong inbound traffic from Europe, the mainland and Southeast Asia."

Hui also said the continued rise in cargo traffic is particularly pleasing.

In the busy vacation period, HKIA saw an increase in passenger numbers of 5.7 percent, or 3.85 million, compared to the same period in the previous year.

For the 12 months ended June 30, passenger and cargo traffic reached 45.8 million and 3.6 million tonnes respectively, an increase of 7.4 percent and 2.8 percent from the previous year's figures.

Turnover for the year ended March 31 showed a steady growth of HK$7.73 billion, an increase of 9 percent from the previous year's HK$7.07 billion. ATMs have also increased 4.8 percent from 270,000 to 283,000.

HKIA earlier had announced a HK$4.5 billion spending plan till 2010 to add parking stands and other facilities at the airport.

Projects such as a golf course, a cross-border ferry terminal and a second airport hotel are under way.

In the meantime, HKIA will offer a range of social events and activities throughout this month and August in Terminal 1 and 2.

They will feature magic shows, handicraft workshops, nail painting, story telling, balloon art and a photo exhibition to provide travelers with "a pleasant, memorable airport experience," Hui said.

New Ferry Service Starts Between HKIA and Zhuhai Jiuzhou
AA Press Release

(HONG KONG, 10 July 2007) - To further enhance connectivity between Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and the Pearl River Delta (PRD), a new ferry service between the airport and Zhuhai was launched today. Sailing between HKIA's SkyPier and the port of Jiuzhou, the new service increases the number of PRD destinations served by SkyPier to six.

Initially, two roundtrip sailings carrying up to 1,300 passengers will depart Jiuzhou at 0930 and 1530 and leave HKIA at 1115 and 1700 each day. The frequency of the 50-minute service is scheduled to grow to three roundtrip sailings per day by August and four per day by January 2008.

Airport Authority Hong Kong Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hui said, "The latest addition to our SkyPier service not only strengthens HKIA's role as a multi-modal aviation hub and the transport link between HKIA and the PRD, but also helps expand HKIA's catchment area to the 52 million population of the Greater PRD region."

"I'd like to thank the Guangdong and Zhuhai governments - including the Port Administration Office of Guangdong Province, Zhuhai Entry-Exit Port Bureau, Zhuhai's customs and excise authorities and the Zhuhai Jiuzhou Port Administration Group Co., for their assistance in launching this service. Another major partnership between Zhuhai and HKIA since the Zhuhai Airport joint venture was formed last year, the ferry link is beneficial to both Zhuhai and Hong Kong."

Over 70 ferry services operate each day between HKIA's SkyPier and Macau, Zhongshan, Humen, and Shekou and Fuyong ports in Shenzhen. Moreover, HKIA introduced the world's first upstream check-in service, between HKIA and Shekou, in 2005.

Mr Hui added, "On 15 June, we began a trial of our upstream check-in service in Macau. Passengers leaving from Macau can now obtain a boarding pass and check their baggage for flights departing from HKIA. Arrangements for setting up the upstream check-in service at Jiuzhou are now being discussed and we hope to provide passengers with this convenient service in the near future."

A permanent SkyPier is being built and is scheduled to open in early 2009. Eight times larger than its predecessor, the new pier will be connected to HKIA's passenger terminals by the automated people mover. Launched in September 2003, SkyPier has served more than 4.5 million travellers with passenger volume reaching 1.7 million in 2006, and 950,000 in the first six months of 2007.

Cathay Pacific named official carrier of the world's largest dedicated civil aerospace expo and congress
12 July 2007
Cathay Pacific Press Release

Cathay Pacific Airways has been named the Official Carrier of Asian Aerospace International Expo and Congress 2007, which will soon celebrate its move to a new location in Hong Kong, and a new role as the largest dedicated civil aerospace showcase on the international industry calendar.

Reed Exhibitions' flagship aerospace event will make its pioneer move to AsiaWorld-Expo alongside Hong Kong International Airport, where it will be held from 3-6 September 2007. As Hong Kong's home carrier, Cathay Pacific is keen to support an event that will bring more visitors to the city and help to underpin Hong Kong’s status as a leading international aviation hub.

The four-day, trade-only event will feature more than 500 participating companies from more than 20 countries. More than 400 delegates are expected to attend Congress opening Executive Sessions, which will feature speakers at ministerial and director general level.

The Congress is organised in partnership with Flight, the world's longest-established brand in aviation media. Tony Tyler, Cathay Pacific's Chief Executive, will be one of the speakers on the opening day of the three-day Congress; presenting a perspective on the Asia Pacific's role in the global aviation industry.

Charlie Stewart-Cox, Cathay Pacific's General Manager Marketing, said: "The Asian Aerospace International Expo and Congress is a hugely important event in the aviation world and we are delighted to see it being staged in Hong Kong for the first time. As Hong Kong's home carrier we are pleased to be able to offer our full support for the event, which dovetails with our own commitment to building Hong Kong's status as a leading global hub. As Official Carrier we will work with Reed Exhibitions to ensure the first Asian Aerospace event in our home city is a big success."

Clive Richardson, Reed Exhibitions Senior Vice President Asia, commented: "We are naturally delighted to have formed this partnership with Cathay Pacific, which has a proud heritage in Hong Kong and a well-respected global reputation for its inflight service, which I am sure many of our exhibitors and visitors will get a chance to enjoy when they attend Asian Aerospace International Expo and Congress 2007. We look forward to a long term association with Cathay Pacific as we develop the show in its new role as the largest dedicated civil aerospace showcase on the international industry calendar."

HK Startup Airlines Say Cathay Locks Them Out Of Routes - FT
17 July 2007
DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

Hong Kong's start-up airlines are complaining that Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. (CPCAY) is using the operating rights it gained as part of its $1.05 billion takeover of Dragonair to lock them out of the city's most lucrative routes, the Financial Times reported on its Web site Tuesday.

'They occupy the space. There is no space for other airlines,' Hong Kong Airlines Chairman Ren Weidong told the FT. Even though Hong Kong had licensed Hong Kong Airlines to fly to Shanghai two years ago, the airline hasn't been able to operate the route, because the government's aviation agreement with mainland China permits just two carriers from each side to serve the route.

Using its own brand and Dragonair's, Cathay holds both of Hong Kong's designations for the route. The same situation applies to Beijing flights.

When asked if it was blocking out competitors, Cathay said its two carriers will 'continue to operate as separate airlines with separate identities and positioning,' the FT reported.

Hong Kong's transport and housing bureau said Cathay and Dragonair are considered distinct entities. However, they said they 'will continue to seek expansion of bilateral traffic arrangements to facilitate the plans of Hong Kong airlines to expand their services.'

'A Hong Kong airline cannot survive on secondary routes,' said Andrew Tse, chief executive of Hong Kong Express Airlines, another start-up that has been blocked out by Cathay, according to the FT report.

China's East Star Airlines wins international opg license - report
15 July 2007

BEIJING (XFN-ASIA) - Private carrier East Star Airlines, which started operations in May 2006, has been granted a license by the General Administration of Civil Aviation (CAAC) to operate international flights, China Business News reported, citing a company source.

East Star, based in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province, will be China's first privately-owned air carrier to undertake international operations, the newspaper said.

The airline plans to make its first international flight in September, with initial routes to Hong Kong and Macau.

The carrier signed an agreement with Airbus and GE Commercial Aviation Services in November to lease or purchase 20 A310 and A320 aircraft over five years.

East Star flights to HK, Macau approved
Hong Kong Standard
Thursday, July 19, 2007

Hubei-based East Star Airlines has won approval from mainland aviation regulators to operate flights from Wuhan to Hong Kong and Macau starting in September, bringing the private carrier a step closer to its goal of servicing international destinations.

Currently, Hong Kong's Dragonair and Guangzhou-based China Southern Airlines (1055) are the only airlines offering direct flights between Hong Kong and Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province and most populated city in central China with more than nine million people.

Dragonair currently offers four flights a week between Hong Kong and Wuhan.

East Star told a mainland newspaper that it plans to operate one flight a day to Hong Kong and Macau, with one-way fares not exceeding 1,000 yuan (HK$1,034).

The Wuhan carrier will become the first private Chinese airline to fly to Hong Kong and Macau.

China currently has 10 private airlines, all flying domestic routes, excluding the two special administrative regions that were returned to Chinese sovereignty in the late 1990s.

The permission granted by mainland regulators is seen as part of efforts to loosen the country's strictly-controlled aviation sector, East Star said.

So far, state carriers, including the three largest airlines: China Southern, Beijing-based Air China (0753), and Shanghai's China Eastern Airlines (0670) have dominated international destinations, along with several domestic routes such as Shanghai and Beijing.

Meanwhile, the smaller private airlines in China face stringent restrictions in comparison to the government-backed carriers.

East Star, which currently serves cities including Shenzhen, Nanjing, Xian, Haikou and Hangzhou, said it aims at flying to all provincial capitals and will continue to expand overseas. It has also applied to operate flights to Singapore and Thailand.

Hactl announces tonnage throughput for the first half of 2007
Press Release
http://www.hactl.com/en/mediactr/press20070710.htm

(9th July 2007, Hong Kong) Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) announced today its tonnage throughput for June, the second quarter and the first half of year 2007.

A total of 214,055 tonnes were handled in June, representing a year-on-year increase of 3.9%. Tonnage throughput for the second quarter and for the first half of the year was 629,857 tonnes and 1,206,734 tonnes, representing a year-on-year growth of 1.9% and 1.0% respectively.

Export volume was 118,214 tonnes for June and 351,988 tonnes for the second quarter, representing a year-on-year growth of 3.2 % and 1.4% respectively. Volume exported to the U.S. and Europe registered a slight growth of 1.5% and 3.7% in the second quarter respectively, underlying a continuous slower growth trend for exports to both markets. Export volume growth to Mainland China in the second quarter registered a slight growth of 3.2%. Cumulative export tonnage for the first half of the year was 666,592 tonnes, up 0.3% against the same period last year.

A total of 57,841 tonnes and 165,873 tonnes of import cargo were handled in June and in the second quarter, down 1.9% and 4.7% respectively. Import volume from Mainland China and the U.S. market registered a year-on-year increase of 9.8% and 7.2% in the second quarter; while another major import market, Europe showed a decline of 5.6%. Cumulative import tonnage for the first half of the year was 327,887 tonnes, down 2.4% against the same period last year.

The transshipment volume was 38,000 tonnes for June, and 111,996 tonnes for the second quarter, representing a year-on-year increase of 16.5% and 15.3% for the respective periods. Total transshipment volume for the first six months was 212,255 tonnes, up 9.3% year-on-year.

Ms. Lilian Chan, General Manager, Marketing and Customer Service said, “The cargo growth of 1.9% in Q2 saw a slight improvement from Q1. However, the growth rate in Q2 is still relatively slow as key export markets of the U.S. and Europe still register signs of slowness. We remain cautiously optimistic towards the air cargo growth trend in the second half of year 2007.”

New Route by Hong Kong Airline: Nanchang
2007 Jul 9
Corporate Press Release

On 9th July 2007, Hong Kong Airlines starts new services from Hong Kong to Nanchang with 3 flights per week on every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Nanchang is the biggest industrial city in Jiangxi Province, and has a population of over 4 million people. It is also the regional hub for distributing agricultural products in Jiangxi Province. Products such as rice and oranges are abundant. The successes in promoting industry and agriculture are playing an important role in the development of Nanchang. In terms of tourism, there are also numerous scenic and historic sights for visits by domestic and overseas visitors.

Hong Kong Airlines is an airline based in Hong Kong and aims to serve the public with the “Hong Kong Spirit”. Since our first Boeing 737 entered service in July 2006, we are expanding at a fast rate with one new aircraft, eight pilots, 24 cabin crews and 3 new destinations added in every two months. In less than one year, we are now operating 6 planes with destinations covering 13 Chinese cities such as Guilin, Kunming, Tianjin, Xiamen and Changsha, etc as well as 7 Asian countries including Vietnam, Thailand, Korea and Japan, etc.

Hong Kong Airlines, the fastest growing airline in Hong Kong, has become Airbus’ latest customer by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for 51 Airbus aircraft, including A320 and A330 aeroplanes, as well as an Airbus Corporate Jet. It is our firm plan to extend our routes to Australia, Middle-East, America and Europe in the future. The comprehensive worldwide routes will enable Hong Kong Airlines to expand its network further overseas, to strengthen its service level to capture the international travelers, as well as to play an important role in promoting Hong Kong as one of the major international hubs of the world.

Airlines gear up for growth
New routes and aggressive recruitment plans in Hong Kong bode well for industry professionals
27 July 2007
South China Morning Post

Hong Kong's airlines are gearing up for expansion with restructuring of ownership, new routes planned and a host of vacancies on offer.

In a recent report on developments in the industry, the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (Capa) said that Hong Kong's aviation sector would be a "busy arena" this year. Prime evidence for this is Cathay Pacific's expanding fleet and new service rights to the mainland, as well as its continuing integration of Dragonair.

The centre also pointed out that the Cathay-Air China partnership, with its combination of private equity and government support via Beijing was "a relationship which could become the envy of all Asian airlines".

A spokeswoman for Cathay said the airline recognised in particular the need to extend its network and strengthen competitiveness.

"We understand that this is crucial to sustaining the status of Hong Kong as an international aviation hub and a predominant gateway to the mainland," she said.

Current plans for network expansion include increasing frequencies to cities such as San Francisco and New York, and adding new routes.

Capa also noted that the Hong Kong government was expected to take a more liberal stance towards bilateral negotiations on air services, now that the future of its flag carrier seemed assured.

Meanwhile, other locally based carriers have their own plans for rapid growth. Hong Kong Airlines recently signed a memorandum of understanding to buy 51 planes from Airbus, as a prelude to making an ambitious drive into the mainland and Southeast Asian markets.

And according to Capa, low-cost carrier Oasis Hong Kong, after a "shaky start" last October, could prove to be "something of a surprise packet in 2007".

Oasis intends to operate to more than 15 popular long-haul gateways in North America and Europe by 2010, and is confident of seeing heavy passenger demand. The fleet of Boeing 747-400s will grow from five to 25.

The carrier serves London daily and Vancouver six times a week, but is contemplating at least three new routes a year.

All this bodes well for job seekers, and Oasis human resources manager Kristi Rigg said an "aggressive" recruitment plan was in place, although actual hiring was "dependent on the delivery of our aircraft".

"We are growing rapidly and expect to have close to 1,000 employees by the end of the year," she said.

The majority of new positions are for cabin crew, but head office recruits with varying levels of experience are also needed for roles in marketing, flight operations, finance, IT, customer service, engineering and human resources.

The requirements for all available positions are listed on the company's website, and interested parties can apply online.

Ms Rigg said with the start-up phase now completed, the company could pay more attention to other areas. "For example, Oasis will implement various programmes to promote the unique culture of our airline and ensure the well-being of our employees. New projects such as these will open up more positions within the organisation."

Hong Kong Airlines is also keen to recruit. A spokeswoman said the carrier was "hungry for experienced airline staff in every area".

All departments would be hiring, but there was particular demand for marketing, engineering and revenue management staff, as well as pilots and cabin crew. Applicants with a background in the industry would get first consideration.

"We want to keep safety first, improve our services, increase our popularity in the market and improve working efficiency," the spokeswoman said.

In terms of numbers, Cathay's basic target for this year is to take on about 1,500 recruits, including 930 cabin crew, 250 cockpit crew and 350 airport and office staff.

Candidates for frontline roles should be good with people and service-orientated. They must also be confident and have a positive attitude, good interpersonal and communication skills, and be genuine team players.

Cathay, together with its subsidiaries, is already one of the largest employers in Hong Kong, with more than 18,000 staff locally and more than 25,000 worldwide.

Future recruitment activities are in line with the airline's ongoing network and fleet expansion.

This should include delivery of seven new aircraft before the end of the year, taking the total fleet size to 112, with projections that this will reach 132 by late 2010.

Dragonair expands coverage
4 August 2007
The Nation

Dragonair, a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific, will begin a Hong Kong-Siem Reap route on November and a Hong Kong-Rangoon route early next year.

Dragonair will start operations on the Hong Kong-Siem Reap route with four flights per week. The airline is targeting mostly leisure travellers.

Meanwhile, it will serve business and leisure travellers on the Hong Kong-Rangoon route, but it has not yet finalised the number of flights and aircraft type.

Aaron Chan, newly appointed country manager for Thailand and Cambodia, yesterday said he would oversee the business expansion both Cathay Pacific and Dragonair.

Dragonair is currently operating the Hong Kong-Phuket route with seven flights a week, using an Airbus A320. Flights are full due to the recovery of tourism in Phuket.

Chan said the airline was strengthening its network and services to meet the growing demand for passenger services and air freight in Asia and around the world.

"Being appointed country manager for Thailand will be a welcome but challenging task for me," he said.

He added that Thailand was one of the gateways to Asia in terms of trade and tourism, especially for its connection with Hong Kong and China. Cathay Pacific and Dragonair will contribute to the continuing growth in the number of visitors and the volume of freight.

Chan believes that Cathay Pacific has good potential for growth as it continuously strengthens its network and services and expands its flights to a wider range of destinations in response to the growing demands of passengers.

He said that the airline was planning to increase the number of its flights from Hong Kong to New York from 14 to 21 per week, San Francisco (from seven to 14), Vancouver (from 14 to 17), Melbourne (from 14 to 21), Adelaide (from four to seven), and Perth (from four to five). This represents an increase from the present total of 57 to 85 flights per week by October/November.

Recently, Dragonair was voted Best Airline - China in the 2006-07 World Airline Survey conducted by Skytrax - the sixth consecutive year the carrier has won the award. Meanwhile, Cathay Pacific fell from Best Airline last year to the third this year.

Cathay Pacific flies to 104 destinations. Dragonair is part of the Cathay Pacific Group, a Hong Kong-based airline serving 30 regional destinations, including 21 cities in China. It provides connections for passengers with more than 400 flights a week and is one of the airlines flying most frequently to China.

Press Release

DRAGONAIR TO LAUNCH SERVICES TO FUKUOKA AND SENDAI IN OCTOBER
7 August 2007

Airline works to further enhance links between Hong Kong and Japan
Dragonair today announced that it will launch scheduled services to Fukuoka and Sendai in Japan on October 28, further strengthening ties between Hong Kong and Japan. Flights to Fukuoka will operate daily and to Sendai three times a week, using Airbus A321 and Airbus A320 aircraft respectively. Dragonair will be the only airline operating scheduled flights between Hong Kong and Sendai and the only airline to offer nonstop service to Fukuoka.

"We are delighted to introduce flights to these two popular Japanese destinations," said Chief Executive Officer Kenny Tang. "Part of our long-term strategy is to serve niche markets in Asia in addition to our core Mainland China market and we launched services to Phuket and Busan soon after our integration into the Cathay Pacific Group. Supported by Cathay Pacific's international network these two routes have been a big success and I am confident Fukuoka and Sendai will become equally popular destinations."

At the same time as adding the two new routes to its network, Dragonair will cease to operate its daily service to Tokyo to enable a better use of resources. Subject to government approval, Dragonair's sister airline Cathay Pacific will code-share on the new services to Fukuoka and Sendai and market the routes through its global network.

"Japan is one of the most popular destinations for tourists from Hong Kong and is becoming a bigger draw around the world. While we expect the majority of our passengers to originate from Japan, there will also be considerable demand for the new flights from Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, Europe and Australia," said Mr. Tang.

The flight schedule, which is subject to government approval, is as follows:

Fukuoka (FUK)

Route Flight Departs Arrives Days
HKGFUK KA316 08:50 13:05 Daily
FUKHKG KA317 15:55 19:00 Mon/Tue/Wed
FUKHKG KA317 15:35 18:40 Thu
FUKHKG KA317 16:00 19:05 Fri/Sat/Sun


Sendai (SDJ)

Route Flight Departs Arrives Days
HKGSDJ KA320 12:55 17:55 Wed
HKGSDJ KA320 14:40 19:40 Thu/Sun
SDJHKG KA321 09:40 14:15 Mon/Fri
SDJHKG KA321 08:15 12:55 Thu


Fukuoka

Situated on Kyushu Island, Fukuoka is one of the major travel, economic and cultural centres in Japan. Thanks to its increasing prominence in tourism and trade, Fukuoka was named one of the most dynamic cities by a world's famous international business magazine last year. The city's attractions include Tenjin, Kyushu's most vibrant downtown area, Fukuoka Tower, the tallest coastal tower in Japan, the Uminonakamichi Seaside Park and Marine World, and the Fukuoka City Museum.

Sendai

The largest city in the Tohoku region on Honshu Island, Sendai is a vibrant cultural capital offering a variety of musical and cultural events throughout the year including the Donto-sai Festival in January and the Tanabata Festival in August. Hot springs, historical sites – including the Aoba Castle and the Osaki Hachiman Shrine – and an attractive environment help to make Sendai, dubbed the "City of Trees", an alluring destination for local and international tourists alike.

http://www.dragonair.com/da/en_INTL/aboutus/pressroomdetails?refID=037869dd40f34110VgnVCM32000011d21c39____

Press Release

HKIA Voted the World's Best Airport in the Annual Skytrax Survey

(HONG KONG, 8 August 2007) - Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has been recognised as the world's best airport for the sixth time in seven years in the annual Skytrax survey. Nearly 8 million people participated in the global passenger poll, which was conducted by Skytrax, an independent, London-based air transport research organisation.

The Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, Stanley Hui, thanked passengers for choosing HKIA. "Being named the world's best airport is a source of pride for the people of Hong Kong and the 60,000 staff who comprise the airport community. We will continue to enhance our facilities and provide quality services so that we can deliver an efficient and pleasant airport experience to all of our passengers."

Ease of airport use and waiting times are top priorities for passengers. Skytrax Chief Executive Officer, Edward Plaisted, said, "Hong Kong's return to the top this year is a testament to the quality of service being delivered across their front-line staff areas, together with the more functional aspects of an airport that depend upon delivering efficiency and consistency."

From August 2006 to July 2007, 7.8 million passengers across the globe voted in the Airport of the Year Survey. Forty aspects of product and service quality were rated, including terminal cleanliness, staff efficiency and courtesy, airport accessibility, shopping and dining options, Internet services, as well as security processing and immigration waiting times.

In this year's survey, Seoul Incheon International Airport and Singapore Changi Airport tied for second place, while Munich Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport ranked fourth and fifth, respectively. HKIA was voted the world's best airport in Skytrax surveys from 2001 to 2005.

Recently, HKIA received the Air Transport Research Society's Asia-Pacific Airport Efficiency Excellence Award. HKIA was also named the best international airport by TravelWeekly magazine and the world's best airport among facilities serving over 40 million passengers annually by the Airports Council International.

For more information about the Skytrax survey, please see:
http://www.worldairportawards.com/Awards_2007/Airport2007.htm


http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/pr/pr_899.html

Hong Kong Express Airways Opens New Route New twice weekly flights between Hong Kong and Guiyang launched
Press Release

Hong Kong, 18 July 2007

With the touchdown of its newest aircraft in Guiyang this morning, Hong Kong Express Airways celebrated the launch of its latest non-stop scheduled service between Hong Kong and the capital of China’s southwestern Guizhou Province.

Using its most recently added B737-800 aircraft on the new route - capable of accommodating 164 passengers – Hong Kong Express Airways will from today offer twice weekly flights between the two cities departing every Wednesday and Saturday.

Today’s introduction of this new scheduled service by Hong Kong Express Airways adds the airline’s second new destination this year to its existing route network. In its bid to bring passengers a greater choice of travel options, Hong Kong Express Airways will continue to expand its regional route offering with additional launches presently being planned for later this year.

Hong Kong Express Airways currently flies between Hong Kong and Hangzhou, Ningbo, Chongqing, Chengdu, Nanjing, Xian, Guiyang and Chiang Mai.

United Airlines starts to sell tickets for new direct service Vietnam Air to have one more flight to Russia
15 August 2007
The Saigon Times

(SGT-HCMC) United Airlines has begun to receive bookings for the daily direct service between HCMC and Los Angeles it will launch in late October, the carrier’s country manager in Vietnam said.

“We are already selling tickets on our reservation system?so people here can begin to think of traveling to that part of the United States, Joe Mannix said.

Mannix told the Daily the fare would start from US$840 for a return trip from HCMC to Los Angeles via Hong Kong. “That is the lowest price we have for the flights to the west coast.?

He described the HCMC-Los Angeles route as a good opportunity and the “third gateway" for people to travel to the U.S. “Very importantly in October 29 United will serve from HCMC to Los Angeles via Hong Kong. It will be a direct service. The HCMC-Los Angeles service will complement United’s flights between the U.S. and Vietnam as the carrier now flies daily from HCMC to San Francisco and Chicago via Hong Kong, which Mannix said was an advanced market.

Mannix explained United would launch the HCMC-Los Angeles flights in response to the increasing demand for the service, and the fact that Los Angeles was a place outside Vietnam that a large Vietnamese community lives.

“I cannot say how many times people have asked me when United is going to fly to Los Angeles from the time we started here. So now we can say we will fly to Los Angeles in October, Mannix said.

The new service will provide more choice and convenient connections for people to travel to a number of destinations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central and South America. For the travelers, the Los Angeles gateway will provide them a time saving schedule to southern California, an area of the U.S. where the largest Vietnamese population outside Vietnam resides. Currently, passengers have to travel from HCMC to San Francisco before going to Los Angeles.

Mannix said United kept focusing on Asia Pacific as the airline industry continued to grow in the region. On top of that, the aviation industry in Vietnam posts continuing growth, and the staffing quality has improved as well.

He said United was partnering with the Vietnam Aviation Academy and the local travel and air services firm TransViet to help employees of travel companies and airlines get more in-depth knowledge and skills useful for the industry.

* Vietnam Airlines will add one direct flight to the HCMC-Moscow schedule on Fridays from October 28 to meet the increasing demand of passengers, especially overseas Vietnamese for traveling between the two countries.

Vietnam Airlines now has one flight between the two cities of Vietnam and Russia on Mondays, and flies between Hanoi and Moscow on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The carrier currently flies daily between Hanoi and HCMC of Vietnam and Seoul and Busan of Korea.

However, Vietnam Airlines has decided to delay the launch of direct flights to the U.S. until next year due to slowness in preparations.

Press Release

Solid Summer Growth at HKIA

(HONG KONG, 19 August 2007) - Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) recorded significant traffic growth in July, with year-on-year increases of more than 6% in passenger volume, cargo throughput and air traffic movements.

Summer is traditionally the peak season for air travel, and this July saw particularly strong visitor traffic from Europe and Southeast Asia. Passenger volume and air traffic movements surged to 4.39 million and 25,380, respectively, up 6.6% and 6.0% from July 2006.

Driven by strong demand for exports and increase in transshipments, cargo volume reached 315,000 tonnes, up 7.4% from July 2006. This was the fourth consecutive month of growth in cargo throughput, after a dip in March.

Stanley Hui, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said that the steady growth reaffirmed HKIA's status as one of the world's busiest aviation hubs.

This month, Hong Kong International Airport was named the world's best airport in the annual Skytrax survey. It was the sixth time in the past seven years that HKIA ranked first in the survey, which polled nearly 8 million passengers from around the world.

In the 12 months ending 31 July 2007, HKIA handled over 46 million passengers and 3.63 million tonnes of cargo, a year-on-year increase of 7.3% and 3.4%, respectively. Air traffic movements grew 4.2%, to 288,115.

http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/pr/pr_900.html

Sound aviation sector may lose edge in long term, survey finds
20 August 2007
South China Morning Post

The aviation and logistics sector is expected to remain highly competitive for at least the next three to five years, but it could lose its edge in the longer term as regional and price competition intensifies, a survey has found.

Of the 1,054 people polled in the survey, conducted by local research group Idea4HK, just over half expressed optimism over the future development of the industry.

Some 59 per cent of the respondents said they believed the city could stay competitive as a hub in the short term. Its key advantages included its central location and strong infrastructure, the survey said.

"In the longer term, say, 10 to 20 years, the respondents were less confident about whether Hong Kong can remain as competitive as before," said Stephen Chan Xin, an Idea4HK research fellow.

The respondents were interviewed by telephone between December and January.

Chek Lap Kok airport is one of the world's busiest, and last month passenger traffic rose 6.6 per cent to almost 4.39 million compared with a year ago, the Airport Authority said. Cargo volume totalled 315,000 tonnes, up 7.4 per cent year on year.

This month, the annual Skytrax survey ranked the airport the world's best, the sixth time this has happened in the past seven years.

Despite the strong performance, competition from airports in the region, including the Pearl River Delta, is putting the spotlight on the city's relatively high costs. Cost was cited by 36 per cent of the respondents as a potential threat to competitiveness.

Simon Yuen Sheung-man, a lecturer with the School of Professional Education and Executive Development, an affiliate of Polytechnic University, blamed the city's relatively high cost of land.

He said the city needs to enhance government and airport co-operation within the region and the mainland to tackle growing competition, and said lower costs could help attract business from low-budget airlines that were increasingly operating in the region.

HK planes probed for fuel leaks
Hong Kong Standard
Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Boeing 737-800 jets used by two Hong Kong airlines have been inspected to ensure there are no fuel leaks, according to the Civil Aviation Department.

The department had contacted both Hong Kong Express and Hong Kong Airlines after the Okinawa fire incident.

According to Kyodo News agency, Taiwan authorities believe a fuel pipe leak caused the fire.

Japan and Taiwan are conducting further inspections to determine whether the leak was the result of faulty maintenance or structural abnormalities.

A department spokesman said it is awaiting full reports from the Japanese authorities and Boeing before deciding if further steps need to be taken to ensure the aircraft is safe.

Hong Kong Express uses only 737s, three of which are 737-800s. The airline has stepped up its maintenance measures before takeoff and after landing.

Its flights were slightly delayed yesterday, with delays ranging from 30 minutes to two hours. It flies to mainland destinations such as Chongqing, Chengdu and Ningbo.

Hong Kong Airlines said its six 737-800s are in service and that no additional maintenance has been scheduled. "Our planes are only one year old, whereas the plane that burned was five years old," a spokeswoman said. The airline said no passenger has withdrawn from flights using the 737-800s.

Boeing said it will provide technical assistance to the Japanese authorities.

The eight Hong Kong passengers on the ill-fated China Airlines plane could not be reached yesterday.

Daiei Travel Services, the Taiwanese agency behind the tour, said the trip was continuing and that the Hong Kong tourists were staying at a seaside hotel.

AirAsia launches three new Hong Kong routes

HONG KONG, Aug 23, 2007 (AFP) - Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia will launch new services to Hong Kong later this year, a spokesman said Thursday, the latest sign that the city's luring of cheaper airlines was paying dividends.

AirAsia is planning to start daily flights from Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok to Hong Kong in December in response to demand and as part of their Asian expansion plans, spokeswoman Janet Leow told AFP.

AirAsia's chief executive Tony Fernandes added the carrier would also launch new daily routes from the Malaysian city Kota Kinabalu, according to a report in the South China Morning Post, but the spokeswoman was unable to confirm the route.

Fernandes added that the move was a long-held ambition for the airline, which entered the greater Chinese market with flights to Macau and Shenzhen, but had previously resisted because of Hong Kong's high landing prices.

He said improved incentives from the airport had tipped the balance in favour of offering the new service, and hinted their may be more routes in the future.

"It is a good start in response to the good gesture from the Hong Kong government," Fernandes said.

A Hong Kong airport authority spokesman told AFP the move followed a new package announced last year to target small carriers, which sees a 75 percent rebate in landing charges during the first six months to new destinations and lower parking rates.

Fernandes praised the discount and said one-way tickets to Bangkok would start at 300 Hong Kong dollars (38 US dollars) not including taxes, and 400 dollars to Kuala Lumpur.

Fernandes also told the Wall Street Journal that AirAsia was in talks with Airbus to buy a further 25 A320 jetliners, in a deal which could be worth 1.63 billion US dollars, to meet its expanding network's demands.

AirAsia earlier this month unveiled a new deal with Richard Branson's Virgin Airlines to develop AirAsia X, the long-haul budget carrier which hopes to build a network of long-haul flights across Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

Finally, the regional budget airline is coming to HKG.

New air route approved to ease Shanghai-Hong Kong flight congestion - report
08.22.07, 11:05 PM ET

BEIJING (XFN-ASIA) - Chronic flight delays between Shanghai and Hong Kong are likely to be eased next year when China gives its nod in October to an additional air route between the two cities, the South China Morning Post reported, citing the head of China's Air Traffic Management Bureau, Su Lange.

'It is great news for Hong Kong to have this new air route. We have been working on the details and hopefully will finalize it in October. The route is so congested that we have spent a long time liaising with different air traffic control regions to create a new route,' Su said.

The new route, slated to open in the first quarter of next year, would almost double the capacity of the busiest route between the two cities now served by four airlines, the Hong Kong newspaper added.

He said the new air route would be parallel to existing air route 470, located 100 miles east of Hong Kong.

Air route 470 is the main corridor for flights from Hong Kong to Shantou, Nanjing and Shanghai. It also serves as a path for flights coming from Southeast Asia to mainland China via Hong Kong.

andrew.pasek@xinhuafinance.com

ap/kmq

xfnap/xfnkm

COPYRIGHT

Copyright AFX News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.

Officials study closer spacing of aircraft to increase flights
Hong Kong Standard
Thursday, August 23, 2007

The Civil Aviation Department is studying ways to maximize airspace use to increase the number of flights into and out of Hong Kong.

Civil Aviation director-general Norman Lo Shung-man said yesterday one possible measure would be to reduce the distance between planes from the current six nautical miles (about 11 kilometers) for a light plane following a heavy plane, and five miles (9km) for a medium plane following a heavy plane, to just four miles (7.4km), which is the standard for two heavy planes following one and another.

He said the department was looking at such factors as air currents that may be caused by the shortened distance, and other safety factors.

"Safety remains our first priority before any new requirement can be set," Lo said during a press tour of Hong Kong International Airport.

He said that in November China will follow the Hong Kong model of a minimum flight altitude of 1,000 feet (304 meters) between two planes flying below 40,000 feet.

Lo said if the four-mile limit was adopted, it would effectively save 482,144 miles or about 1,800 flight hours per year, translating to between five and seven minutes for each flight.

He said that since, for safety reasons, independent parallel operations were out of the question on Hong Kong's parallel runways, it was necessary to find other ways to maximize capacity.

Lo said a study on the necessity of constructing a third runway was expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2008, though it would take a further year or two before a feasibility report is made. A few more years would be required for its construction.

"It is not for a CAD director to say whether a third runway is necessary for Hong Kong. But if there is a demand for more flights, and if this will result in a positive economic impact, then it sounds like a good idea, " he said.

"However, we have to tackle many obstacles, such as the mountain barrier and environmental issues. If we do not conduct the feasibility study now, we will be wasting about 10 years."

Lo said reclamation would be needed to build a new runway.

Runway capacity now is about 54 flights per hour for the two runways. The CAD expects it will be increased to 55 flights per hour this winter and then progressively increased to 58 by 2009. "We had 65 flights before and it is possible to reach 70. But it would be difficult to further increase the capacity under the current system," Lo said.

a lot of good news for HKIA.

NEW FLIGHT TO HO CHI MINH CITY
Press Release
2007 Aug 24

http://www.hkairlines.com/web/Eimages/hl_HoChiMinhCity.jpg

On 24 August 2007, Hong Kong Airlines starts a new route from Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh City. This new service enhances the link between Hong Kong and South East Asia.

Ho Chi Minh City is located at the Mekong River Delta, with over 7 million populations. As a result, it is the heart of economic and tourism development in Vietnam, playing a significant role of the country’s advancement.

The government of Ho Chi Minh City targets to increase 12% of gross domestic productivity in 2008 when compared with the current year. In order to have significant growth in economy, the local government targets to attract foreign and high technology investments. These measures will further increase its ranking in industrial production in South East Asia.

Cathay Pacific Press Release:
Cathay Pacific sponsors new DVD that shows the greener side of Hong Kong and promotes environmental awareness (http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_INTL/aboutus/pressroomdetails?refID=59d00c5487fa4110VgnVCM32000011d21c39____)

HK Gov't Gazette Releases:
Cathay Pacific's new filghts application from HK to cities on Hainan Island (http://www.gld.gov.hk/cgi-bin/gld/egazette/gazettefiles.cgi?lang=e&year=2007&month=8&day=31&vol=11&no=35&gn=5570&header=1&part=0&df=1&nt=gn&newfile=1&acurrentpage=12&agree=1&gaz_type=mg)

Hong Kong Airlines new filghts application from HK to cities in Kyushu of Japan and cities in South Korea (http://www.gld.gov.hk/cgi-bin/gld/egazette/gazettefiles.cgi?lang=e&year=2007&month=8&day=31&vol=11&no=35&gn=5571&header=1&part=0&df=1&nt=gn&newfile=1&acurrentpage=12&agree=1&gaz_type=mg)

Violent turbulence injures 26 on HK-bound flight

HONG KONG, Aug 30, 2007 (AFP) - At least 26 people were injured Thursday when a flight from Mauritius suffered severe turbulence on its way to Hong Kong, officials said.

The Air Mauritius MK 640 flight called Hong Kong air authorities for help at 12:23 pm (0423 GMT) saying some passengers had been injured after the plane was buffeted in the air, an airport authority spokesman told AFP.

The plane landed 25 minutes later, with ambulances on standby, he added.

Of the injured, 20 were taken to hospital in Hong Kong, a police spokesman said, while the rest were treated at the airport.

Most were quickly released from hospital but four people, including an 11-year-old, needed further treatment, the police spokesman said.

Local television pictures showed two people being unloaded from ambulances wearing head braces. All the injured were conscious, the police spokesman said.

Gov't Press Release:
FS's (Financial Secretary) speech at Asian Aerospace International Expo and Congress (English only) (with photos) (http://info.gov.hk/gia/general/200709/03/P200709030109.htm)

September 12 2007
Press Release

http://www.rja.com.jo/Portals/_default/Skins/RJ/images/hd_logo.gif

Royal Jordanian is opening a gateway for Jordan to the People's Republic of China (PRC) on January 22, 2008, when it will start operating regular service to Hong Kong, passing via the Thai capital, Bangkok.

President/CEO Samer Majali said that at a first stage, RJ will fly three times weekly in order to service the active commercial movement between the two countries. The service will have a great impact on businessmen and tourists, and will stimulate relations between Jordan and China in all fields of interest. Hong Kong is a major international economic centre and a magnet for businessmen from all over the world.
Majali added that RJ's decision to add Hong Kong to its route map follows the airline's membership in the oneworld airline alliance which joins among its members Cathay Pacific and Dragonair, the Cathay Pacific group member. Dragonair will join oneworld on November 1 this year. With the addition of Hong Kong, the airline will fly to 55 destinations worldwide.

Majali mentioned that RJ passengers from Amman to Hong Kong will be able to continue their journey to other 19 cities in China served by Dragonair, which operates 400 weekly flights on its domestic route network departing from Hong Kong. RJ frequent flyers will be able to earn and redeem mileage awards on the sectors of the flight between Amman and their final destinations in China.

The president also voiced expectations of increased demand on travel between Jordan and China after connecting Amman and Hong Kong with three weekly flights via Bangkok, to which RJ operates daily flights in the winter and five direct weekly flights in the summer. He pointed out that the newly refurbished Airbus A310s will service the route.
Royal Jordanian flight will depart from Amman at 12:55 am Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and will arrive in Hong Kong at 7:00 pm. It will depart from Hong Kong to Bangkok and Amman at 8:30 pm and reach Amman at 4:00 am. The journey between Bangkok and Hong Kong lasts 2:45 hours.

Hong Kong is the world's eleventh largest trading location; its economy is dominated by services, which account for over 90% of its gross domestic product. Together with Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan, Hong Kong is known as one of the Four Asian Tigers. Hong Kong maintains a highly capitalist economy built on a free market policy, low taxation and no intervention on the part of the government. It is an important centre for international finance and trade, with the greatest concentration of corporate headquarters in the Asia-Pacific region.

Hong Kong encompasses a collection of 262 islands and peninsulas in the South China Sea and spreads out over 1,100 square kilometers. Its population reaches around seven million. Hong Kong's climate is subtropical and, for nearly half the year, tends toward temperate. The average temperature in the coldest month, January, is 16°C while the average temperature in the hottest month, July, is 29°C.

Airbus Gets Hong Kong Air Orders For 20 A320s
12 September 2007
Edited Press Release

PARIS (Dow Jones)--Hong Kong Airlines has signed a firm contract with Airbus for 30 A320 aircraft, 20 A330s and one ACJ, firming up an initial commitment announced at Le Bourget Airshow in Paris in June.

Engine choices have yet to be finalized.

Airbus is a unit of European Aeronautics Defense & Space Co. (5730.FR).

Since the company was established in 2001, Hong Kong Airlines has grown rapidly and built an extensive full service network serving Asian and Chinese mainland destinations, Airbus said.

'Our decision to acquire these Airbus aircraft follows an extensive evaluation period. These Airbus aircraft are really the best suited for our needs,' said Ren Wei Dong, Chairman of Hong Kong Airlines.

'This new fleet of 51 aircraft secures the future growth of our operations and will reinforce Hong Kong as a key gateway in the region. It marks the first step in what we expect will be a long and fruitful cooperation between Airbus and Hong Kong Airlines,' he added.

Firm orders for the A320 Family now stand at 5,350 aircraft ordered by 189 customers making them the most successful jetliner ever. Close to 1,200 A330/A340 Family aircraft have been ordered by almost 90 customers, Airbus added.

Dragonair Press Release:
DRAGONAIR TO START SERVICES TO KATHMANDU IN DECEMBER (http://www.dragonair.com/da/en_INTL/aboutus/pressroomdetails?refID=d89eee3170df4110VgnVCM10000010d21c39____)

Press Release http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/pr/pr_902.html

Three International Awards and Double-digit Cargo Growth in August

(HONG KONG, 16 September 2007) - Cargo throughput at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) grew 10.5% in August, a month that also saw Skytrax, Conde Nast Traveller and SmartTravelAsia.com recognise HKIA as the world's best airport.

Cargo volume reached 324,000 tonnes in August 2007. That represented a 10.5% improvement from August 2006 and the largest monthly increase this year. Robust outbound and visitor numbers saw passenger throughput increase to 4.42 million, up 8.2%, while air traffic movements grew 7.8%, to 25,580.

Stanley Hui, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said, "Our cargo volumes have risen strongly over the past five months, a trend we believe points to sustainable long-term growth. As a regional air cargo hub and transshipment centre, HKIA remains well positioned to both contribute to and benefit from the Mainland's economic development."

For the 12 months ended 31 August 2007, passenger and cargo volume reached 46.4 million and 3.66 million tonnes, representing year-on-year growth of 7.3% and 3.9%, respectively. Air traffic movements grew 4.5%, to 289,935.

August's awards began with Skytrax, which named HKIA airport of the year after polling nearly 8 million international travellers. Then, Conde Nast Traveller recognised HKIA as the world's best airport in its 10th annual Readers' Travel Awards, citing the airport's cleanliness, customer-friendly design and lounges and other passenger facilities. The month's final accolade was from the readers of online travel magazine SmartTravelAsia.com, who picked HKIA as their favourite airport for the second consecutive year.



Skytrax World Airport Awards 2007:
www.worldairportawards.com/Awards_2007/Airport2007.htm

Conde Nast Traveller Readers' Travel Awards 2007:
www.cntraveller.co.uk/ReadersAwards/2007/Airports/

SmartTravelAsia.com Best in Travel Poll 2007:
www.smarttravelasia.com/travelpoll.htm

JAPAN AIRLINES "SKY SCHOOL 2007" TAKES OFF
http://www.hk.jal.com/cms/contents/en/jal_news_2028.html

Japan Airlines is now inviting local children to participate in our annual "Sky School" programme which will be held on Sunday, 4 November. During the trip, the children can have the opportunity to take a bird's eye view of Hong Kong territory and meet TVB Jade "After School" Programme hosts and guests when the flight takes off from Hong Kong International Airport.

Launched in 1984, this year marks the 24th anniversary of JAL Sky school programmme. Until now, over 5,000 children have had the opportunity to experience air travel on the specially organized one-hour flight aboard a Japan Airlines airplane. As usual, this year an open lucky draw will be held for drawing children from the public to win a place on the trip with further places being donated to local charitable organizations.

http://www.hk.jal.com/cms/contents/en/img/jal_news_2028_1.jpg

Air New Zealand plans more mainland flights
17 September 2007
South China Morning Post

Expecting a surge of tourist arrivals from China, Air New Zealand says it will add flights to Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong and increase its fleet size in the next six years.

Ed Sims, group general manager for New Zealand's only international carrier, said the airline expected the number of tourists heading to New Zealand from China to surge 140 per cent by 2013.

"China will become the third most important market to New Zealand in terms of inbound tourists after Britain and Australia by 2013, way ahead of Japan," Mr Sims said.

Eight Chinese tourists will fly to New Zealand for every two New Zealanders travelling to China, he said.

Mr Sims said the shift would balance as soon as Air New Zealand launched its Beijing service because the capital's historical attractions were more appealing to New Zealanders than Shanghai, where it currently flies.

Before 2010, the carrier will fly from Auckland to Beijing, with a stopover in Shanghai. Later it will fly directly to Beijing. Air New Zealand will increase its aircraft to four in Hong Kong and the mainland by 2013, with two Boeing 777s and two B787s replacing its existing B747s.

Its Auckland-Shanghai service, inaugurated in November last year, has increased to five weekly flights from three.

The percentage of seats filled by passengers reached an average 75 per cent. The carrier woud launch daily flights in 18 months, Mr Sims said.

The airline also will add two more weekly flights to its Auckland-Hong Kong route from November.

Next Friday, Air New Zealand shareholders will vote on a proposed NZ$4.5 billion (HK$25.02 billion) fleet acquisition plan. If approved, the carrier will gradually replace its older aircraft with new B787-900s and B777-300s beginning in 2010 and by 2012 will become the youngest fleet in the world with up to 30 aircraft with an average age of six years.

Despite intense competition, Air New Zealand launched a Hong Kong-London daily service a year ago. Five other carriers, including Cathay Pacific Airways, Oasis Hong Kong Airlines, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic already fly that route.

Mr Sims said Air New Zealand's growth would depend on more than just passengers.

New Zealand is the first developed country to negotiate a bilateral free trade agreement with China. And that is likely to stimulate the air cargo business.

China, New Zealand's fourth-largest trading partner, imports more than NZ$1.6 billion worth of merchandise from New Zealand. Wool is shipped to Shanghai twice a week by Altas B747 freighters. Dairy products by Fonterra, the parent company of Anchor butter, also arrive in the mainland twice weekly.

At the same time, about 90 per cent of the home wares, clothing and electronic goods sold by Warehouse, the Wal-mart of New Zealand, comes from China.

http://www.tdctrade.com/Photo/cms/article/shippers/51269.jpg

http://www.tdctrade.com/shippers/img/vol30_4.jpg

Airlines to increase fuel surcharge
25 September 2007
South China Morning Post

Airlines will introduce higher fuel surcharges from next month, although the increase will be slight.

Short-haul passengers on Cathay Pacific will pay HK$1 more at HK$104, while HK$4 will be added to the long-haul surcharge, bringing it to HK$428.

A Cathay Pacific spokesman said the higher surcharge would help offset the additional fuel cost.

Fuel is the single biggest cost factor for the airline, accounting for about 30 per cent of total operating costs. However, of the airlines applying to the Civil Aviation Department for the increased surcharge, Aeroflot, the Russian national carrier, was granted a 62.71 per cent increase, raising its passenger fuel surcharge to HK$384 from HK$236.

The changes take effect on October 1 and are valid for two months.

Hong Kong Airlines Press Release:
7th Boeing 737-800 Aircraft of Hong Kong Airlines Reached Hong Kong (http://www.hkairlines.com/web/eng/ePress_2007Sept24.shtml)

^^

I'm confused, I thought Hong Kong Airlines was going to use all Airbus aircraft.

Robust Air Traffic Growth in the First Half of 2007/08


(HONG KONG, 14 October 2007) - Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) recorded solid growth during the first six months of fiscal 2007/08, with air traffic movements and passenger and cargo volumes increasing more than 6.0% in September alone.

In September 2007, HKIA served 3.82 million passengers, up 8.3% from September 2006. Cargo volume reached 342,000 tonnes, a 6.5% increase from 2006, while air traffic movements grew 6.1%, to 24,720.

Stanley Hui, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said, "Cargo demand has been strong since April. The long-haul freight markets to the US and Europe have been particularly robust, with the latter benefiting from the appreciation of the euro. We expect passenger volumes from Europe, the Mainland, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Korea to remain positive for the foreseeable future."

For the six months ended 30 September 2007, passenger and cargo volumes grew 7.1% and 5.8%, respectively, to 24.3 million and 1.88 million tonnes. Air traffic movements rose 6.0%, to 149,030.

HKIA served 46.7 million passengers, handled 3.68 million tonnes of cargo and recorded 291,335 air traffic movements for the 12 months ended 30 September 2007. This represented increases of 7.4%, 4.0% and 4.8%, respectively, from the previous year.

http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/pr/pr_906.html

http://www.hongkongairport.com/pr_download/200709e.pdf

Dragonair to Launch Charter Services to Taichung
10 October 2007
Press Release

Dragonair today announced that it will launch charter services to Taichung in Taiwan starting from October 28. The airline will use an Airbus A320 aircraft for the flights.

"We are delighted to offer charter services to Taichung," said Chief Executive Officer Kenny Tang. "Taiwan is an important market for Dragonair - we have been serving Kaohsiung since 1996 and Taipei since 2002 – and we are pleased to be able to provide passengers with more choice and greater convenience for travel to and from the island."

The charter services, which the airline aims to operate on a daily basis, will be underwritten by Cathay Holidays Ltd and are subject to government approval. Passengers can find information on Dragonair's Taichung charters and get flight reservation details through their local travel agent.

Situated in central Taiwan, Taichung is the gateway to areas of natural beauty including the Puli and Nantou counties where tourists can enjoy a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, windsurfing and hot springs. The city itself is home to a number of attractions including the Taichung Tower and the Municipal Cultural Centre.

U.S.-to-China air routes fastest growing at SFO
17 October 2007
The Oakland Tribune

Note : Don't think Air China flies to HK from SFO at the moment - probably a codeshare misunderstanding.

SFO — A booming Chinese economy has demand soaring for travel between the Bay Area, Hong Kong and mainland China.

U.S.-to-China air routes are San Francisco International Airport's fastest growing market and airlines are adding daily flights to meet the surge in passengers.

The latest carrier to do so is Cathay Pacific Airways, which on Thursday launches its second daily flight to Hong Kong.

Bay Area businesses are clamoring to establish a presence in China to take advantage of the Chinese economy's expansion, spurring the growth in air traffic.

Bustling Chinese and Asian communities around the Bay are also a big factor, as individuals increasingly visit relatives back home or take leisure trips there.

"There's a huge demand as the Chinese economy gets stronger," said Hugo Lai, director of marketing at Cathay Pacific Airways. "In the next five or 10 years, we will see more routes going to China and Asia."

There are currently a half-dozen daily flights from SFO to Hong Kong and mainland China.

United Airlines operates three of them, including flights to Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai. United recently announced a new flight for next March to China's third biggest city, Guangzhou, an industrial and manufacturing hub.

Air China and Singapore Airlines also fly to Hong Kong from SFO.

The addition of Cathay's second daily to Hong Kong means more than 10,000 seatswill be available weekly on this key U.S.-to-China air route. That's an increase of more than 34 percent since 2006, according to SFO spokesman Mike McCarron.

"The China market is our fastest growing market," said McCarron.

Hong Kong continues to be a preferred location for California and U.S. companies to oversee their operations in the Asia-Pacific region, according to the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in San Francisco. The group said the U.S. is Hong Kong's second largest trading partner, and California is the largest exporter to Hong Kong among the 50 states.

"It's another indication of the growing ties in trade, tourism and investment between the Bay Area and China," said Stephen Levy, economist and director of the Center for Continuing Study of the California Economy in Palo Alto.

Levy pointed out that the Bay Area economy is growing in part because of demand in Asia for local technology products and services. In addition, the Bay Area, and the Peninsula in particular, is home to a strong venture capital industry, which invests in local technology and biotechnology companies.

"The desire is growing for Bay Area companies to have a presence in China, so they can take part in the explosive economy," said Dennis Conaghan, executive director of the San Francisco Center for Economic Development. Many companies like to use Hong Kong as a hub to oversee their operations in Asia, he said.

Cathay's Lai said the company does significant business with high-tech and biotech companies such as Oracle Corp. and Sybase. Chinese business executives also find the Bay Area a lucrative market, Lai noted.

A number of local architectural firms have set up shop in China to work on construction projects for the 2012 Olympics in China, Conaghan said.

"It's huge for our company, because it represents work all over China," said Steve Weindel, principal at Gensler, a design firm headquartered in San Francisco. "Were making the transition from being a domestic company to being a global company."

Weindel travels often to China to help his company with its building and interior projects there. Gensler has an office in Shanghai.

Anne LeClair, president and chief executive officer of the San Mateo County Convention & Visitors Bureau, said her group is pushing to attract both business and leisure travelers from China.

"We're sending materials to travel agents in Asia to familiarize them with the area," she said.

Cathay Pacific is adding an afternoon flight at SFO. Its initial launch is at 1:35 p.m. Thursday. The flight arrives at 7 p.m. Friday. The airline's other Hong Kong flight departs SFO daily at 1 a.m., and arrives the next day around 6 a.m. or 7 a.m.

Cathay Pacific's new nonstop service is geared for travelers who want to arrive in Hong Kong in the evening, so they can rest up for the next day, said Lai. The flight is about 13 hours.

The price for an economy seat ranges from $800 to

$1,200 round-trip, depending upon the day and how far in advance the flight is booked.

Current Cathay Pacific flights to Hong Kong have been averaging about 80 percent full, said Lai.

As part of the launch, Cathay Pacific is rolling out a new long-haul fleet of Boeing 777-300 aircraft.

The airline is also offering bonus miles for travelers — up to 15,000 miles for first-class travel — on the new flight.

Hong Kong Airlines Launches Flights to Hefei from 2 Dec 2007
2007 Oct 10
Corporate Press Release

Hong Kong Airlines starts new route to Hefei (in Anhui Province, China) from 2 December 2007. There will be two flights per week, every Wednesday & Sunday, between Hong Kong (HKG) and Hefei (HFE).

All flights to/from Hefei (HFE) are operated according to the following schedule*:

http://www.hkairlines.com/web/eng/enews_NewRouteHFEdec02.shtml
* The schedule should be subject to final government approval.

Press Release

Hong Kong Express Airways Takes Delivery of 4th Boeing Aircraft

Hong Kong, 15 October 2007…

In preparation for its forthcoming launch of scheduled services between Hong Kong and three new Southeast Asian destinations, Hong Kong Express Airways yesterday welcomed a new Boeing 737-800 aircraft at Hong Kong’s Chek Lap Kok airport.

The aircraft is the fourth of its type to be added to the Hong Kong carrier’s fleet and will enter service early next month when the airline expands its regional network with the launch of three new routes between Hong Kong, Yangon, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta in November.

Commenting on the new arrival, Hong Kong Express Airways President Mr. Guo said, “Today’s delivery underscores our commitment to expansion. Our strategy for Southeast Asia is on track and we are looking forward to rolling out our latest round of new routes.”

The new aircraft is configured in two classes and can accommodate 164 passengers, with 156 seats in economy class and 8 seats in business class.

Transmile Group To Lease Aircraft To Air Hong Kong - Report
18 October 2007

KUALA LUMPUR (Dow Jones)--Malaysia's air-freight operator Transmile Group Bhd. (7000.KU) has secured a contract to lease its aircraft to Air Hong Kong, the Star newspaper reported, citing unnamed sources.

Air Hong Kong, a joint venture between Cathay Pacific Airways (0293.HK) and DHL Express, will use the aircraft to transport cargo between Hong Kong and Beijing, the paper said.

The report didn't provide details of the outsourcing contract.

Gov't Press Release:
Legislative amendments relating to safe air transport of dangerous goods to be gazetted (http://info.gov.hk/gia/general/200710/24/P200710240178.htm)

Hong Kong Express to fly into KLIA next month
25 October 2007
New Straits Times

FULL-SERVICE airline Hong Kong Express Airways Ltd (HKE) is expected to start its maiden flight into Kuala Lumpur next month.

The airline, which predominantly serves cities in mainland China and Asia, will start operations on November 11 at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang.

The company's website reveals that it already flies to nine destinations including Hong Kong. It plans to fly to Yangon, Bangkok and Jakarta in the near future.

The company's general sales agent in Malaysia revealed that HKE will fly daily from Kuala Lumpur to Hong Kong. The flights are scheduled for 7.45pm.

The promotional fare for a 14-day return ticket, for a minimum stay of three nights, is RM655 inclusive of all taxes.

Information on HKE's website reveal that it started in 2004 with an investment of US$100 million (RM337 million).

It began to fly to popular cities in mainland China using Embraer 170 aircraft.

This year it took delivery of the first of five Boeing 737s it ordered.

Gov't Press Release:
Legislative amendments relating to safe air transport of dangerous goods to be gazetted (http://info.gov.hk/gia/general/200710/24/P200710240178.htm)

Details from the Gazette (
http://www.gld.gov.hk/cgi-bin/gld/egazette/gazettefiles.cgi?lang=e&year=2007&month=10&day=26&vol=11&no=43&header=0&acurrentpage=10&df=0&agree=1&gaz_type=ls2&part=1&newfile=1&pid=)

Dragonair pilot exodus'grounding flights'
Crew shortage forces airline to cancel services
28 October 2007
South China Morning Post

Dragonair is being forced to cancel up to eight flights a day as senior captains and first officers leave the airline at a rate of more than one a week.

Six captains resigned in the space of a week this month, and 34 first officers and captains have handed in their notice in the past six months, pilots say. They blame a long-running dispute over rosters and pay.

On October 13 eight flights were cancelled - including five between Hong Kong and Shanghai and two between Hong Kong and Taipei - with crew shortages cited as the reason in all cases and cockpit crew shortages cited in two cases.

A year after its HK$12 billion takeover by Cathay Pacific, cancellations on Hong Kong's second-biggest airline are running at a rate of two a day.

Pilots say managers have repeatedly refused to implement a rostering agreement to ease the strain on pilots handling a growing volume of back-to-back flights and overnight stops. However, Dragonair, which has around 400, mostly expatriate, pilots, says it is feeling the impact of a worldwide shortage of cockpit crew.

An airline spokeswoman said the eight cancellations on October 13 were due to "crew sickness". It had already hired 57 new pilots this year and planned to hire 10 more before the end of the year and another 50 next year, she said.

One senior pilot, who has been with Dragonair for more than 10 years, said the resignations signalled deep-rooted discontent.

"I have never seen morale so low. Pilots are leaving because they're thoroughly fed up with the management," he said. "We haven't had a pay rise for seven years, but it's not really a pay issue. We have asked for a roster agreement for years and years. The Dragonair Pilots' Association has provided two draft agreements but management just look at them and nothing happens."

The pilot said eight cancellations in one day was unprecedented.

"It has usually been about two cancellations a day, but the situation is clearly getting worse."

Dragonair pilots have since March 2005 imposed a contract compliance policy in their efforts to secure a rostering agreement, and a captain familiar with ongoing negotiations said they were deadlocked. Under contract compliance, pilots refuse to do extra work to cover for colleagues on holiday or sick leave.

Another senior pilot said: "The salary for a Dragonair pilot is no longer competitive because of inflation and the state of the US dollar, and the rostering situation has become untenable. With the increase in the flight schedule and the wet-leased flights in China, some guys are doing 14 overnights a month and they're just fed up with it."

Dragonair is leasing fully crewed planes to airlines on the mainland, a practice called wet-leasing.

He said the pilots were leaving to join Korean Air, Emirates and Air China. "In one week we had six pilots leave - all of them captains."

The Dragonair spokeswoman denied the exodus of pilots was linked to rostering. "There are currently more vacancies than there are pilots throughout the industry. Therefore, it is not surprising to see a degree of pilot turnover."

The Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation estimates the global pilot shortage will top 2,000 by the end of 2010.

The Dragonair spokeswoman said: "The management and the Dragonair Pilots' Association have been in discussion for some time on issues such as pay and conditions, rostering practices and the like. We are awaiting a response from the pilots' representatives to our offer on the salary and benefits packages which was made in early October. In addition, the company has formed a team to review the provision of additional benefits to many of its pilots."

港龍34機師離職逼減航班

29/10/2007




【 本 報 訊 】 航 空 業 近 年 發 展 蓬 勃 ， 各 家 航 空 公 司 均 面 對 機 師 短 缺 的 問 題 ， 一 向 「 唔 憂 做 」 的 機 師 變 得 更 加 吃 香 。 港 龍 航 空 過 去 半 年 便 有 多 達 三 十 四 名 正 、 副 機 師 離 職 ， 部 分 航 班 亦 因 人 手 不 足 而 被 迫 取 消 。 港 龍 表 示 正 增 聘 人 手 ， 來 年 將 招 聘 五 十 名 新 機 師 。

有 港 龍 前 機 師 最 近 向 傳 媒 指 ， 港 龍 半 年 內 有 三 十 四 名 正 、 副 機 師 遞 交 辭 職 信 ， 其 中 六 人 更 是 集 中 於 本 月 短 短 一 星 期 內 請 辭 ， 主 要 是 不 滿 出 勤 更 表 編 排 得 太 緊 密 ， 以 及 薪 酬 偏 低 。

另 一 機 師 批 評 ， 管 理 層 一 直 不 願 改 善 編 更 問 題 ， 而 且 已 多 年 沒 有 加 薪 ， 導 致 士 氣 非 常 低 落 ， 不 少 機 師 均 已 忍 無 可 忍 。 由 於 人 手 流 失 嚴 重 ， 港 龍 本 月 十 三 日 便 有 八 班 航 班 被 迫 取 消 ， 機 師 形 容 情 況 並 不 尋 常 。

業 界 面 對 人 手 短 缺
港 龍 發 言 人 表 示 ， 現 時 整 個 業 界 的 機 師 職 位 空 缺 較 現 有 機 師 為 多 ， 港 龍 出 現 一 定 程 度 的 機 師 流 失 情 況 亦 非 罕 見 。 而 該 公 司 的 機 師 離 職 有 不 同 原 因 ， 包 括 個 人 、 家 庭 因 素 或 退 休 。 至 於 本 月 十 三 日 共 有 八 班 航 班 取 消 ， 是 由 於 機 組 人 員 身 體 不 適 所 致 。

發 言 人 又 謂 ， 已 與 港 龍 航 空 機 師 協 會 就 薪 酬 福 利 計 劃 進 行 商 討 ， 公 司 亦 已 提 出 升 幅 顯 著 的 薪 酬 建 議 。 港 龍 今 年 內 將 增 聘 十 名 機 師 ， 明 年 則 會 再 招 聘 五 十 名 。

Press Release

Check-in Counters of Hong Kong Airlines will move to Terminal 2, Hong Kong International Airport
2007 Oct 26

Hong Kong Airlines was established in November last year. With the tremendous support from travellers, business development has been increased significantly. The average number of flights per month increases by three fold when compared with previous year.

In order to improve our service quality and match our long-term business development, with effective from 28th November, Hong Kong Airlines will move its check-in counters from Aisle J of Terminal 1 to Aisle P, 5th Level Departure Hall at Terminal 2 of Hong Kong International Airport.*

Terminal 2 is more spacious and provides better comfort to the increasing number of Hong Kong Airlines passengers. It will also provide us with the opportunity to expand and centralize our check-in counter service, and to achieve the target of providing “Brand New Image, Brand New Service & Brand New Feeling” to our valuable travellers.

Please contact Hong Kong International Airport at 2216-1088 for check-in services' enquiries, and 2559-1966 for media enquiries of Hong Kong Airlines.



*If departure time of flight is 0300 to 0600, check-in and departure services will be provided at Aisle J, 7th Level, Terminal 1, which is currently operating in the airport.

Dragonair Celebrates First Flights to Fukuoka and Sendai
29 October 2007
Corporate Press Release

Dragonair yesterday celebrated the launch of scheduled services to two new destinations in Japan: Fukuoka and Sendai. The route launches will serve to further strengthen links between Hong Kong and Japan, with Dragonair the only airline to offer scheduled services between Hong Kong and Sendai and the only airline to offer non-stop scheduled flights between Fukuoka and Hong Kong.

Ceremonies were held at Fukuoka International Airport yesterday and Sendai International Airport today to mark the latest development for the airline and welcome passengers from the two cities for the first flights to Hong Kong.

"We are particularly delighted to expand our presence in Japan – a country that remains one of the most popular holiday destinations for tourists from Hong Kong," said Dragonair's General Manager Ground Services Algernon Yau, who represented the airline at both ceremonies. "At the same time, the new services will help strengthen Hong Kong's role as an international aviation hub, enabling passengers from different regions in Japan to connect through Hong Kong onto the extensive networks of Dragonair and our sister airline Cathay Pacific."

"On behalf of Dragonair, I would like to thank all of those involved in helping to make our launch here today a reality – and a success," said Mr Yau. "We will continue to commit to further strengthening our network and providing high quality products and services to make us the 'airline of choice' in the markets we serve."

To mark the service launches, Dragonair gave a special souvenir to passengers on the first flights. In addition, passengers on the first flight to Fukuoka received a gift pack from the Fukuoka Prefecture Government while the Miyagi Prefecture Government in Sendai also handed out gifts to welcome those on the first flight to the city.

Fukuoka and Sendai are the third and fourth new destinations added to the Dragonair network since the airline became a member of the Cathay Pacific Group last year. Flights to Fukuoka operate daily and to Sendai three times a week, using Airbus A321 and Airbus A320 aircraft respectively.

Fukuoka (FUK)

Route Flight Departs Arrives Days
HKGFUK KA316 08:50 13:05 Daily
FUKHKG KA317 15:10 18:15 Mon
FUKHKG KA317 14:05 17:10 Wed/Sun
FUKHKG KA317 15:35 18:40 Tue/Thu/Fri/Sat

Sendai (SDJ)

Route Flight Departs Arrives Days
HKGSDJ KA320 13:25 18:25 Wed
HKGSDJ KA320 14:40 19:40 Thu/Sun
SDJHKG KA321 09:40 14:15 Mon/Fri
SDJHKG KA321 08:50 13:25 Thu

so thrilled to see that Dragonair is emerging as a leading regional carrier gradually. With more and more new destinations added to the network, I have strong confidence that Dragonair will become a force to be reckoned with on a long-term basis.

Czech airline CSA to launch first scheduled long distance cargo

PRAGUE, Oct. 29, 2007 (Thomson Financial delivered by Newstex) -- Czech state-controlled airline CSA will launch its first scheduled long distance cargo service between Prague and Hong Kong with a stopover in Dubai, the carrier said.

'For Czech Airlines this is the first full long distance cargo route,' the airline said, adding that it would open up the possibility to serve new destinations in Asia and increase cargo earnings.

Under a code-sharing deal with Emirates SkyCargo, part of Emirates Airline, CSA can fill half of the Boeing (NYSE:BA) 747-200F to be used on the weekly flights.

The joint venture cargo flight will touch down in Prague for the first time on November 9.

國泰高層入主港龍
處理機組編更不滿

2007年10月31日



【明報專訊】盛傳掀起辭職潮的港龍航空有多項高層人事變動，原屬國泰航空的多名高級管理人員紛紛入主港龍。港龍行政總裁鄧國杰表示，任命是屬於兩公司進行整合及加強管理計劃的一部分。

現任港龍航務總經理韋德治將於12月31日辭任所有職務，明年初返回英國重新執行飛行職務。現任國泰飛行總經理賀銳智將接替其航務總經理職位，並即時到港龍上班，任職候任航務總經理。另國泰機組人員排班經理梁偉雄亦被委任為港龍機組人員策劃經理，將負責機組人員的策劃、編更及控制。

負責機組人員編更的梁偉雄將直接向賀銳智匯報工作。港龍行政總裁鄧國杰表示，國泰和港龍整合計劃已進入第三階段，集中機組人員編更。早前有報道指港龍不少機師及機組人員不滿編更安排，紛紛求去，令港龍一天內取消8班航班。鄧國杰相信，上述人事調動安排有助處理有關問題。

Taking flight
A wave of resignations at Dragonair reflects a simmering row over rostering and conditions
31 October 2007
South China Morning Post

When the training captain took the decision to quit his HK$150,000 a month package with Dragonair and move to an HK$81,000 first officer posting with a smaller, start-up airline, he made sure his bosses at Dragonair were in no doubt about the reasons for his resignation.

"I was very careful when I gave Dragonair my reasons for leaving not to include things like pollution or the operating environment in China," said the captain, who had been with the airline for more than 10 years. "Denial is a strong instinct, and I've seen it at work in Dragonair before. They latch on to things that are outside their control - like pollution - and say 'Ah, you see. It's not our problem'."

The former captain, who asked not to be named because he is now with a new airline, made sure his voice was heard by booking an appointment with the airline's new chief executive officer, Kenny Tang.

"I went and spoke to him for an hour and a half and I spoke to him very candidly. He took a lot of notes and I got the impression that he had really been sheltered from the real goings-on," said the 45-year-old. "I asked him why, if there wasn't a problem, would people give up their seniority to take up risky jobs with another airline? Seniority is supposed to protect airlines against senior pilots leaving because they have to start all over again. It is a powerful reason not to leave an airline - and yet it is still not proving enough to make people stay at Dragonair."

An estimated 34 senior captains and first officers have resigned from Dragonair in the past six months and, on October 13, eight Dragonair flights in and out of Hong Kong were cancelled because of crew shortages. Nine other flights were delayed on the same day. One of the first hints to the scale of the problem came in the minutes of a management meeting circulated to staff in June when Mr Tang described the airline's on-time performance - its success in getting planes to leave on schedule - as "not satisfactory" and said one of the factors affecting the performance was a "crew shortage problem".

Pilots say the blunt admission caused a stir among Dragonair staff who said it hasn't been used in any memo circulated since. The airline, which has about 400 mostly expatriate pilots, says the problem is a reflection of a worldwide shortage of pilots, describing the global aviation industry as "very robust" and saying that demand for pilots was "ever-increasing".

A spokesman for the airline said its disappointing on-time performance was due to congested airspace on the mainland rather than the crew shortages. Generally, between 40 and 50 per cent of flights are leaving on schedule. The spokesman said some of its recent departures had been sparked by the creation of new offshore postings in places like Australia by airlines such as China Air and Korean Airlines which were attractive to Hong Kong expatriates.

In any case, the airline pointed out, it had hired 57 new pilots this year and planned to hire another 60 by the end of next year. Pilots argue that, delays aside, cancellations are now running at the rate of two a day and they say the resignation of senior pilots stems from the failure of Dragonair to give its cockpit crews a roster agreement similar to the one in place at Cathay Pacific to guarantee their time off as schedules get busier and they do more overnight stops on the mainland.

One pilot familiar with the negotiations between Dragonair and the pilots union over the rostering practices said: "The management have just been hoping these problems will go away. We have been telling them about the rostering difficulties for a long time and they have ignored what we have said - but what's happening now shows our concerns are legitimate. Pilots from outside our company look at our rosters and say: 'My God - you can't fly guys like that on a short-haul airline'."

Nevertheless, some pilots concede that some of the difficulties are not of Dragonair's own making and revolve instead around the difficulty of operating an airline in the mainland's congested and rapidly growing aviation field.

"I defy anyone to run an airline efficiently with the way China is. It is simply impossible because they have constant delays and they close airspace without any notice, and you can have two or three airplanes sitting in Shanghai for two, three or four hours," one senior pilot said. "The knock-on effect for that with cabin crew and everyone else is enormous, so it is very difficult for anyone, let alone an airline that is tight on crews."

A Dragonair spokeswoman said the airline's core mainland routes were "particularly busy" and had to deal with regular congestion and air traffic control hold-ups. "Flight delays caused by air traffic control issues have become a serious problem for the industry as a whole - a fact acknowledged by the authorities in both Hong Kong and the mainland; we are committed to doing everything we can to minimise delays caused by factors within our control."

When the 45-year-old Dragonair captain quit less than two months ago, however, he felt the greatest obstacle was that relations between management and pilots - who had for the past 21/2 years been working under contract compliance - had become so embittered there was no chance of the situation improving.

In particular, he said, differences between the pilots and the operations management department had led to a feeling among pilots that crew control had gained excessive influence over pilots.

"I'm not a militant person, but at Dragonair it's got to the situation where you go to work for one day and don't get back [home] until four days later. Now that can happen with an airline, but at Dragonair it's the rule rather than the exception and you find yourself getting a very aggressive approach from a 24-year-old crew control girl who's been working for the company for three months saying: 'Are you going to do it or not?'

"All of that made it an environment that was very difficult to work in. The unequivocal message from our management was 'If you don't like it, go'. So that's what I did."

Dragonair said it had given its cockpit crew "significant annual pay adjustments" in 2000 and 2001 and said the pilots rejected the offer of an additional salary increase for 2002 that was offered as part of a three-year agreement.

Additionally, the airline pointed out, cockpit crew received a 2 per cent annual pay rise which was technically based on performance but historically given across the board.

"Cockpit crew have received an accumulated increment of 12 to 14 per cent between 2001 and 2007," the airline said in a statement. "That needs to be seen against the background of events during that period, including September 11 and Sars, which contributed to the downturn of the aviation industry as well as the global and regional economic situations as a whole."

Pilots insist that their chief concern, however, is rosters and not pay. Responding to that point, Dragonair said: "The nature of Dragonair's operation of short-haul services is that crew get fewer days off per month in comparison to pilots operating long-haul service operations. There are also nights spent away at the outports. That's the nature of our operating business."

However, the statement added: "Dragonair pilots get an average of approximately 110 days off per year in addition to between 42 and 48 days annual leave."

In the second quarter of next year, it added, Dragonair planned to "combine the crew planning, rostering and crew control function with our sister airline Cathay Pacific".

If such a move provides the solution Dragonair pilots have been hoping for over the past 21/2 years of contract compliance, the breakthrough will come too late for some, such as the former captain who will shortly be returning from London to Hong Kong after being trained to fly a different kind of aircraft, this time as first officer.

"I spent 10 years with Dragonair and the airline has been very good for me.

"I'm just sorry it has deteriorated to the state it is now in," he said.

"My pay may be less now, but I'm working for an airline where people pull together and I'd forgotten what that is like.

"I'm not speaking out of bitterness. I'm speaking out of quite a deep sorrow at having to leave a company I've been with for a large part of my working life."

Cooperation to bolster HK's aviation hub status
31 October 2007
China Daily - Hong Kong Edition

Hong Kong will be able to maintain its status as an aviation hub if it steps up cooperation with neighbouring cities, aviation experts said yesterday.

Speaking at a launching ceremony of a coach service linking Hong Kong and Shenzhen Airports, Shenzhen Airport (Group) Company general manager Wang Yang said that the Hong Kong International Airport has been in active negotiation with its neighbor over concrete cooperation plans to strengthen their competitiveness.

The recent expansion of Shenzhen Airport has raised concern over Hong Kong's competitiveness, especially after it formed a joint venture with Singapore's Changi Airport International to invest in medium-sized airports with growth potentials.

Wang said while Shenzhen Airport was in talks with other international airports for cooperation, the negotiation with Hong Kong would not be similar to the deal with Singapore.

"The airports in Shenzhen and Hong Kong are serving their unique roles in the region, and we are complementing each others. We have our own unique advantages," he said.

Shenzhen Vice-Mayor Zhang Siping said a committee had been established to study the proposal of building a railway linking up the two airports.

Shenzhen Airport has started building a second runway, and reclamation was underway, said the official.

In about two years, Shenzhen's subway system will be extended to reach the airport. Passenger flow is expected to reach between 46 million and 50 million in 2012 as opposed to the present figure of 20 million, said Shenzhen Airport supervisory council president Tian Jufeng.

Shenzhen may not be the only Pearl River Delta city to join the race for aviation hub status.

China Southern (Group) Shenzhen Airlines general manager Li Yunxiang said the development of Guangzhou's airport, which is having more international flights than Shenzhen, can emerge to be a serious competitor for Hong Kong.

Li also predicted that more cargo heading for overseas markets will use airports in the Pearl River Delta region in the future when the origin of the product is becoming a less prominent factor in accessing trade balance.

But Li said Hong Kong would retain its competitive edge as an aviation hub.

Chinese University's Aviation Policy and Research Center associate director Law Cheung-kwok said Hong Kong had an urgent need to team up with neighbouring cities by developing an integrated transport network and sharing more air space.

He said Hong Kong's development would be affected should Shenzhen Airport further collaborate with Singapore, for example, by diverting mainland travellers to the lion city for international flights.

He said airports of the two cities could cooperate by swapping equities or forging joint ownership of the airports.

New Flights to Far East, South America Begin Sunday on United Airlines
Corporate Press Release

Flights to Hong Kong and Rio de Janeiro strengthen international network and give customers more options

CHICAGO, October 25, 2007 – United Airlines launches services on Sunday from Los Angeles to Hong Kong and from Washington Dulles to Rio de Janeiro, strengthening its international network and providing additional options for customers to travel the world.

"Further expanding our route network gives our customers what they have asked for – more ways to visit popular international destinations for both work and pleasure," says Kevin Knight, United's senior vice president-Planning. “With nonstop service, these two cities are now much easier for our customers to visit.”

United Flight 867 will depart Los Angeles International Airport at 12:10 p.m. Sunday and land at Hong Kong International Airport on Monday at 6:40 p.m. local time. United Flight 856 will depart Hong Kong on Monday at 12:20 pm., arriving in Los Angeles at 9:35 a.m. the same day.

United will operate the combined passenger and cargo Los Angeles service using a B747 aircraft configured with 14 United First® seats, 73 United Business® seats and 260 United Economy® seats, including 88 Economy Plus® seats that offer up to five more inches of legroom. With the B747 aircraft, United has the capability to carry about 12 tons of cargo per flight between the United States and Hong Kong.

The seasonal direct service from Washington, D.C., to Rio de Janeiro will begin Sunday on United Flight 873, departing Washington Dulles at 9:38 p.m. and arriving the following day in Rio de Janeiro at 9:25 a.m. United Flight 874 is scheduled to depart Rio de Janeiro at 10:05 p.m. and arrive in Dulles at 6:23 a.m. the next day. The service will use a B767 aircraft configured to 10 United First® seats, 32 United Business® seats and 151 United Economy® seats, including 71 Economy Plus® seats. With the B767 aircraft, United has the capability to carry about 12 tons of cargo per flight between Washington, D.C., and Rio de Janeiro.

Customers will earn 500 bonus miles each time they purchase qualifying travel at united.com, which also offers no booking fees and the guaranteed lowest United fares.



About United

United Airlines (NASDAQ: UAUA) operates more than 3,600* flights a day on United, United Express and Ted to more than 200 U.S. domestic and international destinations from its hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C. With key global air rights in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and Latin America, United is one of the largest international carriers based in the United States. United also is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides connections for our customers to 855 destinations in 155 countries worldwide. United's 55,000 employees reside in every U.S. state and in many countries around the world. News releases and other information about United can be found at the company's Web site at united.com.

*Based on the flight schedule between Jan. 1, 2007 and Dec. 31, 2007.


###

港龍航空慶祝福岡及仙台航線首航

29 October 2007

http://downloads.dragonair.com/ka/press/20071029_1.jpg
http://downloads.dragonair.com/ka/press/20071029_2.jpg


港龍航空昨天慶祝推出來往香港和日本兩個新航點：福岡和仙台的定期航班服務。新航線將有助進一步鞏固香港和日本之間的聯繫。港龍航空目前是唯一一家提供來往香港及仙台的定期航班服務和前往福岡的不停站直航服務的航空公司。

首航儀式分別於昨天在福岡國際機場和今天在仙台國際機場舉行，紀念港龍航空發展里程碑的同時，並歡迎乘搭首航航班前往香港的乘客。

港龍航空地面服務總經理丘應樺代表公司出席首航儀式，他表示：「日本是其中一個最受香港旅客歡迎的度假勝地，因此，我們對於可以進一步加強我們來往日本的服務感到特別高興。同時，來自日本各個地區的乘客也可以方便地在香港接駁到港龍及國泰航空龐大的航空網絡，香港的國際航空樞紐地位得以進一步提昇。」

「我謹代表港龍航空感謝各位對今天首航成功所作出的貢獻。我們會繼續努力實現承諾，為乘客提供優質的產品和服務，讓我們在所服務的市場中成為『首選航空公司』。」

為慶祝首航，港龍航空向乘搭往來香港及福岡和仙台首航航班的乘客送贈紀念品。另外，福岡縣政府和宮城縣政府也分別為由香港前往福岡及仙台的乘客送上禮品包。

福岡和仙台是港龍航空自成為國泰航空集團一員後的第三及第四個新航點。港龍航空分別採用空中巴士A321及A320客機提供每日來往福岡及每週三班來往仙台的航班服務

One more regional airline adds direct flight to Myanmar

YANGON, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- One more regional airline will add direct flight to Myanmar's biggest city of Yangon, a Myanmar civil aviation official said on Saturday.

Using a 164-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft, the Hong Kong Express Airways will fly Yangon twice a week on Tuesday and Friday, the official said.

There are 14 foreign airlines flying Yangon which include Thai Airways International, Indian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Silk Air, Air China, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Mandarin Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Bangkok Airways, Jetstar Asia, Phuket Airline and Thai Air Asia.

United Airlines takes hard line in pay row
2 November 2007
South China Morning Post

United Airlines has taken a hard line in response to a demand by flight attendants for better pay and benefits, pointing out it had received thousands of job applications for such posts.

The American airline issued a statement after 20 flight attendants staged a protest outside the company's office in Hong Kong yesterday, saying they wanted to "share the rewards" the company has enjoyed since emerging from bankruptcy last year. While sidestepping the requests, the company said it had been recruiting flight attendants since 2005 and had received more than 300,000 applications so far.

"It confirmed the high demand for this career and also the keen interest in working for United Airlines," the company said in a statement.

Jack Kande, spokesman for the Hong Kong branch of the US-based Association of Flight Attendants, said they would not stop protesting until the management was willing to return to the negotiating table. "They have to talk to us before 2010 when our contract needs to be renewed. The delay in negotiations will only get us more and more angry," he said.

The protesters chanted slogans and waved placards outside the company building in Tsim Sha Tsui, where the airline's chief executive officer, Glenn Tilton, was holding a meeting.

Melanie Bell, who has been working for the company as a flight attendant for 13 years, said her salary, benefits and pension plan were cut by 40 per cent when the firm filed for bankruptcy protection in 2004.

"They just said this was necessary and everyone had to make a sacrifice," she said. "Now the company has begun to make a profit, but we are still working on low pay."

She said working hours had been extended and rest days reduced. "We used to have two days of rest following a trip from Hong Kong to San Francisco, but now there's only one day. This makes the job a much more tiring and tougher one."

Mr Kande said the airline's top management was rewarded with millions of dollars in pay rises, bonuses and stocks over the past year.

"We are the ones who serve the customers every day and make them come back; we are the ones who will help keep customers safe in flight in an emergency; we are the ones who made a sacrifice to make the airline survive. We have every right to share the rewards with the management."

Nov. 4, 2007, 2:53AM
Hong Kong Airline Begins Myanmar Flights
© 2007 The Associated Press

YANGON, Myanmar — A Hong Kong-based airline will begin regular flights to Myanmar's largest city of Yangon, a state-run newspaper said Sunday.

The inaugural flight of Hong Kong Express Airways, a Boeing 737-800 with 27 passengers on board, landed at Yangon International Airport Saturday, according to The Mirror.

The report said the airline will fly the Hong Kong-Yangon route every Tuesday and Friday.

Airlines with regular service to Yangon include Thai Airways International, China Airlines, Indian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and several domestic carriers.

^ Ooo .. yes, got it in post 311. :)

China Eastern's jet tyres burst on landing in Hong Kong

HONG KONG, Nov 6, 2007 (AFP) - Two tyres on an Airbus A330-300 operated by China Eastern Airlines blew out on landing in Hong Kong on Tuesday but no one was hurt, the carrier said.

The incident occured just before noon at the end of a regular flight from Shanghai's Pudong international airport, the company said in a statement.

The accident had "no major impact" on operations at the Hong Kong airport, the Shanghai-based carrier said, without specifying how many people were on board.

It was the second such incident this year.

In January, four tyres on a China Eastern Boeing 737 with 100 people aboard burst on landing in Shanghai's Hongqiao airport. No one was hurt, but the airport was forced to close for several hours.

A Hong Kong airport spokesman confirmed that operations were unaffected by the incident.

Hong Kong Express Airways to fly to Nepal from November

KATHMANDU, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong Express Airways, China' s Hong Kong-based airline, is planning to begin thrice-weekly direct flights between Hong Kong and Kathmandu from the end of November, The Kathmandu Post reported on Thursday.

"We are going to operate flights by Boeing 737-800 aircraft from Nov. 29," said Bhola Bikram Thapa, president of President Travels, the airline 's general sales agent in Nepal.

He said that work was progressing on a war footing to commence operations. "We are awaiting final approval from the Nepali government," he was quoted by the daily as saying.

He added that the operation would help increase the flow of tourists to Nepal as the tourism industry was facing an air seats crunch.

Dragonair Press Release:
DRAGONAIR BECOMES A MEMBER OF THE oneworld ALLIANCE (http://www.dragonair.com/da/en_INTL/aboutus/pressroomdetails?refID=cfb83d15729f5110VgnVCM32000011d21c39____)

It's about time Dragonair is part of Oneworld. Now we can finally earn points for our elite status!

Hong Kong - Hefei Direct Air Route to Open in December
China Industry Daily News

(Nov. 9, 2007)- Hong Kong Airlines Limited will formally open the Hefei - Hong Kong direct route on December 2nd, according to the news released by Anhui Province's Commerce Department. Two flights now operate on the indirect Hefei - Hong Kong route every week. Upon opening the new route, the number of flights will increase to four every week. Anhui Province's Commerce Department is now holding discussions with the relevant departments, such as customs, inspection and quarantine, and frontier defense, in order to organize customs-passing and services.( www.chinainfoworld.com )

DHL increases capacity for Hong Kong-Beijing service

http://www.tdctrade.com/shippers/img/vol30_5.jpg

DHL express and logistics company has announced the increase of its dedicated flight frequency on its overnight service between Hong Kong and Beijing, to meet the growing demand for cargo capacity fuelled by the robust trade between Hong Kong and Mainland China.

The newly-added weekend flights represents a 25% uplift capacity. As part of the service enhancement, DHL will utilize a larger Boeing B727-200F aircraft operated by Air Hong Kong, which is a 60/40 joint venture between Cathay Pacific and DHL, for an overall 58% increase in payload capacity as the new freighter has a capacity to hold 24 tons per sector.

Dan McHugh, acting CEO, DHL Express-Asia Pacific, said, "We foresee sustained cargo volume growth, as Hong Kong and Mainland China become more intricately linked as an integrated supply chain due to deepening econom ic integration. The decision to add capacity to the route reflects DHL's commitment to enhance our service offerings so that our customers will continue to enjoy efficient and reliable first-rate express and logistics services."

Trade between Hong Kong and Mainland China has been registering double-digit growth in recent years, boosted by strong Chinese exports. According to figures from China's Ministry of Commerce, two-way trade figures in 2006 rose an impressive 21.6%, reaching US$166.2 billion. The uptrend continues in the first half of 2007, as trade volume expanded by a further 23.5% compared to a year ago. Hong Kong was China's fourth largest trading partner and third largest export market last year.

The upgraded Hong Kong-Beijing service will further strengthen DHL's Asia Air Network. The network currently comprises more than 30 destinations in 16 countries and territories, served by over 20 aircraft in dedicated air operations.

Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Oct Throughput Rises To Record
11 November 2007

HONG KONG (Dow Jones)-- Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Ltd. said Monday its throughput in October rose 2.3% to a record from the same period last year, as rises in exports and transshipments outweighed declining import volume.

Hactl, which handles about 80% of air cargo passing through Hong Kong International Airport, said it expects throughput growth to remain on an uptrend in the near future.

'In the midst of favorable market sentiment, we are confident that we will continue to manage cargo volume growth,' Lilian Chan, Hactl's general manager of marketing and customer service, said in a statement.

The company said it handled 246,346 metric tons of cargo during the month, the highest volume of cargo for a single month. Year-earlier figures weren't provided.

The company's export volume in October rose 3.0% from a year earlier to 142,510 tons. Import volume fell 1.1% to 59,438 tons and transshipment volume rose 4.9% to 44,398 tons.

For the first ten months of 2007, total cargo throughput rose 2.8% from a year earlier to 2.14 million tons.

Hactl is jointly owned by Swire Group, Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. (0293.HK), Jardine Pacific Ltd., Wharf (Holdings) Ltd. (0004.HK), Hutchison International Port Holdings Ltd., China National Aviation Corp., and Citic Pacific Ltd. (CTPCY).

Cebu Pacific makes Davao its 3rd hub
13 November 2007
BusinessWorld

http://www.cebupacificair.com/images/logo_eagle.gif

DAVAO CITY - Cebu Pacific yesterday announced plans to make this city its third hub in the country, with three routes to be added to its network starting May next year.

Lance Y. Gokongwei, president and chief executive officer of Cebu Air, Inc., which operates Cebu Pacific, said the airline would be offering services to Hong Kong and Singapore and a direct run to the province of Iloilo.

Mr. Gokongwei told a press conference that Cebu Pacific was already the biggest passenger carrier serving Davao City with the most number of flights, most number of destinations and the lowest year-round fares.

"This encouraged us to set up our third base of operations here and develop it into another gateway for the country," a company statement quoted him as saying.

"This third hub is in preparation for more expansive inter-island connectivity, as we acquire more aircraft. We are initially dedicating a 150-seater A319 aircraft to operate from this hub," Mr. Gokongwei said.

With the new routes, the airline will run six direct domestic flights and two international flights daily from Davao.

Asked on why the company had decided on Davao, Mr. Gokongwei said about 30% of passengers on its Cebu-Hong Kong and Cebu-Singapore flights come from Davao City.

The Davao-Singapore run, starting on May 8, will be three times a week on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. The Davao-Hong Kong route, starting May 9, will be every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. The domestic Davao- Iloilo flight will start May 8 and is scheduled for Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Cebu Pacific is offering promotional rates of P999 each, excluding taxes and surcharges, for the Hong Kong and Singapore routes for tickets purchased from November 13-20, 2007. For Iloilo, the seat sale price was set at P98, again excluding taxes and surcharges.

After the promotion ends, the regular rates will be P1,499 for Davao- Hong Kong, P1,999 for Davao-Singapore, and P288 for Davao-Iloilo.

Mr. Gokongwei said the added hub would result in increased inter- island connectivity.

"This will make the Philippines, and more specifically Mindanao, a more attractive destination," he added.

A lack of aircraft had prevented the firm from implementing more flights on the island but a larger fleet of 19, from 15 planes, has made this possible.

"We will continue to expand our operations to achieve our goal of flying more travelers. And, with our continuous aircraft acquisition and base expansion, we hope to boost the country's tourism and trade agenda in the region," Mr. Gokongwei said in the statement.

Cebu Pacific would be the first airline to fly directly from Davao to Hong Kong after Grand Air stopped its operation nine years ago. A Davao- Singapore route is currently served by a daily Silk Air flight.

The budget carrier also said it would continue plans to set up a fourth operational hub in Clark, Pampanga as soon as all the necessary government approvals to operate to Bangkok, Macau, Taipei, Hong Kong and Singapore are granted.

The airline arm of listed JG Summit Holdings, Inc. previously said the Hong Kong government had rejected its petition to mount daily flights from the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark, delaying the expansion.

Indonesia's Lion Air to fly Hong Kong

JAKARTA, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's budget airline Lion Air will open its new route to Hong Kong next month in the company' s ambition to expand businesses to regional level.

Lion will use its new Boeing 737-900ER to serve the Hong Kong route once a day from the East Java capital of Surabaya.

Lion spokesman Hasyim Arsal Alhabsi said the company has secured the licenses for its first overseas destination and built a representative office in Hong Kong.

"Our targeted passengers are hundreds of thousands of migrant workers and tourists," he was quoted Monday by leading economic daily Bisnis Indonesia as saying.

Lion Air said last month it would increase the purchase of Boeing 737-900 to 122 in a new deal to be signed in December from initial orders of 60, of which only a few already arrived.

Czech Airlines Cargo appoints Hactl to provide comprehensive cargo handling services
HACTL Press Release

(14 November 2007) Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) is pleased to welcome Czech Airlines Cargo (CSA Cargo) as its latest new airline customer as the carrier launched its inaugural commercial flight between Hong Kong and Prague effective 9 November.

CSA Cargo has appointed Hactl as its cargo service provider at Hong Kong International Airport, services of which include physical cargo handling and air cargo documentation handling. CSA Cargo is one of the SkyTeam Cargo Alliance member carriers. The choice of Hactl by CSA Cargo signifies six SkyTeam Cargo carriers with on-line freight services to Hong Kong in unison within the big family of Hactl.

Ms. Lilian Chan, General Manager, Marketing and Customer Service of Hactl said, "We are delighted to welcome CSA Cargo as our new customer, and we congratulate the carrier on the launch of its weekly freighter service to Hong Kong. As a close partner of SkyTeam Cargo Alliance, we are confident that Hactl will continue to provide CSA Cargo with the same world-class cargo services offered to any other SkyTeam Cargo Alliance member carriers. Leveraging on Hactl’s market expertise and dedication to excel, we are ready to provide the highest level of cargo solution to support CSA Cargo’s new business development in Hong Kong.”

Mr. Jan Grabmüller, Cargo Director of CSA Cargo said, “For Czech Airlines, the Prague – Dubai – Hong Kong connection is our first all cargo long-haul route. New opportunities are opening up for our airlines with the commencement of this service. Looking forward, we will offer more new destinations in Asia, and I believe the revenue contribution from cargo will increase significantly. We are very happy to partner with Hactl in our new services to Hong Kong. We choose Hactl as our business partner as it is renowned for its efficient and reliable services, which are in line with our business objectives. I am sure CSA Cargo will benefit from the flexible and comprehensive cargo solutions offered by Hactl and build up a fruitful business partnership in the near future.”

Toronto-Hong Kong route latest Cathay offering
15 November 2007
The Globe and Mail

Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. is introducing non-stop flights between Toronto and Hong Kong, hoping to tap into increased demand for Asian destinations. The new daily service kicks in Jan. 1, 2008, complementing the carrier's existing Vancouver-Hong Kong route. “This will give travellers the most flexibility when flying to Hong Kong or beyond, to other parts of Asia,” Cathay's Canada vice-president Philippe Lacamp said in a statement. “As our home base of Hong Kong continues to evolve as the major hub in Asia, we are uniquely positioned to open up mainland China to new travellers.”

Sinopec buys steady '08 jet fuel term supply for HK

SINGAPORE, Nov 15 (Reuters) - Asia's top refiner Sinopec has bought 480,000 tonnes of aviation fuel for supply into Hong Kong for 2008, steady to the current year, traders said on Thursday.

The 16 medium-sized jet fuel lots were awarded at a premium of less than $1 a barrel to Singapore quotes on a cost-and-freight basis, they said.

A U.S. company won the tender, one trader said.

Chinese heavyweight Sinopec bought over the petroleum distribution business of China Resources Enterprise Ltd in Hong Kong earlier this year for HK$4 billion.

HK Gov't Gazette:
License Granted for Dragonair to open filghts to and from Hong Kong and Tai Chung (http://www.gld.gov.hk/cgi-bin/gld/egazette/gazettefiles.cgi?lang=e&year=2007&month=11&day=16&vol=11&no=46&gn=7384&header=1&part=0&df=1&nt=gn&newfile=1&acurrentpage=12&agree=1&gaz_type=mg)

HK Gov't Gazette:
License Granted for Dragonair to open filghts to and from Hong Kong and Tai Chung (http://www.gld.gov.hk/cgi-bin/gld/egazette/gazettefiles.cgi?lang=e&year=2007&month=11&day=16&vol=11&no=46&gn=7384&header=1&part=0&df=1&nt=gn&newfile=1&acurrentpage=12&agree=1&gaz_type=mg)So this brings some competition to the Taichung route that Uni Air just started.

Hong Kong Airlines Joins Flight Safety Foundation
2007 Nov 6
Corporate Press Release

http://www.hkairlines.com/web/commonImages/profile_p7a_s.jpg

Hong Kong Airlines has become a member of the Flight Safety Foundation. With this opportunity, Hong Kong Airlines is able to maintain effective aviation safety communication with other aviation organizations on a global basis, including the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), International Air Transport Association (IATA) and National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). Hong Kong Airlines maintains active involvement and participation in the diverse elements of global professional aviation.

Hong Kong Express Airways Launches Flights to Kuala Lumpur
Press Release

http://www.hongkongexpress.com/upload/SITELOGO.gif

Hong Kong, 12th November 2007…. Hong Kong Express Airways celebrated the launch of its newest Southeast Asian scheduled service to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia yesterday. Buoyed by the success of its recently introduced Bangkok route which, in response to demand, has now become a daily service, the new Kuala Lumpur route will see daily flights operating from the outset.

Mr. Guo Ya Jun, President of Hong Kong Express Airways said, “Our southeast Asian routes are performing well hence our decision to launch with daily services to Kuala Lumpur. We are very excited to be entering a new country – especially one with so much potential for both inbound and outbound traffic.”

Arrivals into Hong Kong from Malaysia have increased significantly with double digit growth recorded for most months this year over the same period in 2006. Equally, Malaysia is proving a popular destination for mainland China’s outbound travellers with year on year arrivals surging 80 per cent in the first six months of 2007.

The new Kuala Lumpur route is the second to be launched by Hong Kong Express Airways this month. The airline launched services to Yangon on November 2nd. Additional routes, and accordingly additional aircraft, will be added before the end of the year. Continuing its strategic growth programme, the airline is set to continue expansion at a similar rate in 2008.

http://www.hongkongexpress.com/?structure=002&content=416&articleid=352

GFS Documentary in Cantonese by RTHK

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Press Release

HKIA Records Healthy Growth in October

(HONG KONG, 18 November 2007) - Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) experienced another month of solid growth in October this year, with passenger and cargo volumes increasing more than 7% from October 2006.

Passenger throughput reached 4.13 million, up 7.1% from October 2006. Cargo throughput and air traffic movements grew 7.6% and 5.8%, respectively, to 353,000 tonnes and 25,830 movements.

"As one of China's key aviation hubs, HKIA benefited from strong passenger demand during the National Day Golden Week holiday. It is also a reflection of the continued attraction of Hong Kong as a destination for visitors from Mainland China," said Stanley Hui, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong.

"Cargo also continued to grow, in line with growth in foreign trade between China and Europe and the US. We will continue to capitalise on our geographical advantage and enhance our connectivity with the Mainland to meet growing demand for both passenger and cargo services."

For the 12 months ended 31 October 2007, HKIA handled 47.1 million passengers, a year-on-year increase of 7.4%. The airport handled 3.7 million tonnes of cargo and 292,740 air traffic movements, up 4.4% and 5% from last year, respectively.

In October, UNI Air and South African Airways began providing check-in services at Terminal 2 (T2), which opened earlier this year to meet growing demand. Philippine Airlines moved to T2 on 16 November and will be joined by Hong Kong Airlines and Hong Kong Express Airways on 28 November. Oasis Hong Kong Airlines, Emirates, Jetstar Asia Airways, Bangkok Airways, Siem Reap Airways International and Thai Airways International now also operate from T2.

http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/pr/pr_907.html

British woman falls ill, dies on London flight
18 November 2007
South China Morning Post

A 45-year-old woman fell ill and died on a British Airways flight to London despite the efforts of two Hong Kong doctors to save her life.

The medics stepped in to help after the woman was taken seriously ill over Russia on flight 32, which left Hong Kong at 11.45pm on Wednesday. Cabin crew rushed to her assistance.

An airline spokeswoman declined to give details but issued a statement saying: "Sadly, a female passenger died on board flight BA32 from Hong Kong to London Heathrow on November 15. The crew did all that was possible to revive the customer but were unfortunately unable to do so."

Passengers noticed something was wrong about eight hours into the flight.

Walking tour leader Nigel Blandford of Suffolk, England, said he believed the captain initially tried to divert to Moscow for an emergency landing, although no announcement was made to passengers.

"They have a movie map of where the plane was going, and it suddenly made a right turn," he said. "The destination line was then pointing towards Moscow, and the estimated arrival time in the UK changed from 5am to 11.30am. It was pretty obvious that we were diverting to Moscow.

"About 20 minutes after that, the plane resumed its course towards London. Again there was no announcement."

After the plane landed, passengers had to wait for more than an hour on the tarmac while police and a doctor came on board and spoke with the crew about the incident, Mr Blandford said.

A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said Heathrow police were notified at 5.20am of a death on board, and two officers had boarded the plane with a doctor, who pronounced the woman dead at 6.10am.

The woman, from Devon, southwest England, was returning from a holiday in Australia.

Diane Whiting of the Uxbridge Coroner's Office said a postmortem examination had found the death was due to natural causes.

From news.gov.hk:
HK, Finland sign aircraft tax pact (http://news.gov.hk/en/category/infrastructureandlogistics/071119/html/071119en06005.htm)

Shenzhen and Hong Kong Airport cooperation shows progress
19 November 2007

Shenzhen believes Hong Kong and Shenzhen will further cooperate for complementary and mutual benefits in the future according to the Policy Address 2007-2008 on Hong Kong-Shenzhen cooperation.

Wu Jianfei, Deputy Secretary of Party Committee of Shenzhen Airport Company Limited, points out that Hong Kong-Shenzhen airport cooperation is in good progress. With the upcoming inauguration of the second runway at the Shenzhen Airport, Wu believes the Airport's hardware will interest more domestic and foreign carriers.

Sources disclose that Shenzhen Airport's proposal of Southeast Asia routes have successfully concluded. Shenzhen Airport is expected to extend its services to Europe and America.

On the location for the next lounge, Wu reveals that no final decision has been made yet. Shenzhen Airport will build Zhuhai networks to attract Zhuhai passengers to use the airport in Shenzhen. The airport will provide free bus routes to connect between Shenzhen and Zhuhai ports.

Hong Kong Commercial Daily News

Nok Air cancels Indian route but pledges to expand network
21 November 2007
The Nation

Nok Air, the budget airline of Thai Airways International, is cancelling its daily Bangkok-Bangalore route, due mainly to aircraft non-availability and higher jet-oil prices.

This Friday will see the final flight on the route.

The airline began its Bangalore run amid much fanfare. Although the airline says the route has been very successful, it is nonetheless cancelling it temporarily.

CEO Patee Sarasin said in a statement that several considerations had forced the company to reconsider its international operations, resulting in the suspension of this route despite a steadily increasing passenger-load factor.

Those considerations include an unexpected shortage of aircraft, increasing need for additional human resources and constant rises in the cost of jet fuel.

Patee said Nok Air always conducted extensive research before launching a route, whether international or domestic, in order to make sure it afforded the company a strategic advantage, strengthened its network and matched its revenue-generation plan. "There is absolutely no question Nok Air will continue to develop our network further, both domestically and internationally, to meet our overall business plan," said Patee.

He said to achieve and go beyond company expectations, as well as those of the passengers, Nok Air needed more aircraft and more human resources.

Nok Air has added another two leased aeroplanes and is in negotiations for additional aircraft.

The Economic Times reported Nok Air's passenger-load factor had fallen to 40 per cent.

"In India, international low-cost carriers take more time to turn a profit, but they withdraw their operations soon. Also, the return-fare difference - including taxes - between Nok Air and full-service carriers like Thai Airways is about 3,000-4,000 rupees . So Indian passengers prefer a full-service carrier to paying for food and blankets on Nok Air."

All passengers who have booked seats on the route for after this Friday will be transferred to Thai Airways.

[b]Nok Air has not yet launched additional international routes as planned. It is set to fly to Ho Chi Minh City, Macau or Hong Kong, Madras, New Delhi and Hyderabad.

The airline will take delivery of four new aeroplanes this year and eight more next year.

Another low-cost carrier, Jetstar Asia, withdrew its five flights per week on the Bangalore-Singapore route, citing low passenger numbers.

Several low-cost airlines, such as AirAsia, are considering revising their pricing policy to use one price that includes airfare, fuel surcharge, insurance and other fees, instead of charging all of these separately, like at present.

Thai AirAsia CEO Tassapon Bijleveld said this would afford travellers greater convenience when making reservations.

"We've been monitoring the uncertain jet-oil prices," said Tassapon, adding that nothing had been decided yet.

Thai AirAsia has been offering one-price ticket sales through its website for certain domestic routes on a trial basis.

One-Two-Go has also been testing one-price ticket sales with all-inclusive Bt1,850 fares between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Phuket, Surat Thani, Krabi, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai and Nakhon Si Thammarat. The offer will be effective from December 1.

Airlines need to keep fuel surcharge
22 November 2007

With continuous increase of global oil prices, Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department has received applications from six airline companies for an extension of fuel surcharge collection.

Tony Tyler, Chief Executive of Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, reveals Cathay Pacific is one of the airlines applying for a fuel surcharge extension. Cathay Pacific can only lessen price tension by collecting fuel surcharge and execute fuel hedging. Tyler forecasts the global oil price will be high. He expects high oil price, diminishing demand caused by a possible economic slowdown in the US and limitation in aircraft movement will be main negative factors for the worldwide aviation industry.

As Hong Kong International Airport's aircraft movement has not reached the highest level, Tyler suggests the airport to increase flight frequency from 54 flights per hour at present to 58 flights per hour in 2009.

Hong Kong Commercial Daily News

Ethiopian Leases Two B747-200F
Nov 15
Airline Press Release

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In its endeavor to match the ever increasing demand of the perishable flower export, Ethiopian Airlines will be leasing in two GE powered Boeing 747-200 freighter aircraft from Southern Air Inc based in Kentucky, USA. Both aircraft were manufactured in 1981 and each has the capacity to carry 100 tonnes at one time. The lease agreement, signed on 12th October 2007 at Ethiopian’s Head Quarter in Addis Ababa, is on wet lease basis. The lease period for the first aircraft that will arrive on November 17, 2007 will be for 14 months while the second arriving on December 31, 2007 will stay with Ethiopian for 19 months. The wet lease of the two B747 freighters is to fill the gap until Ethiopian receives the two ordered MD-11 freighter aircraft; one of the MD-11 will arrive in December 2008 and the other freighter aircraft in August 2009.

The first of the recently leased two B747 aircraft will make first flight of its daily services to the airline’s European cargo hub, Brussels on November 18, 2007. The service to this route will then be twice daily when the second B747 aircraft arrives.

In addition, on January 04, 2008 Ethiopian will launch its once a week freighter services to Hong Kong making Ethiopian cargo a pioneer African Airline linking Asia with Africa in this sector.

The arrival of these two B747 freighter aircraft coupled with the existing two B757 freighters is expected to satisfy Ethiopian’s current cargo capacity requirement especially in view of Ethiopia’s increasing volume of export.

About Ethiopian

Ethiopian Airlines, www.ethiopianairlines.com, one of the largest airlines in Africa made its maiden flight to Cairo in 1946. The airline currently serves 50 destinations around the globe of which 30 are in Africa. Ethiopian will be the first airline to operate the Dramliner-B787 in Africa, Middle East and Europe.

In 2006/07 Ethiopian was presented three awards from the African Aviation Journal, The African Times/USA, and the Government of Ghana for its best performance in the air transport service. It was also a proud moment for Ethiopian when all the hard work was repaid as the airline received the IOSA operator certificate a year ago.

Transaero to launch scheduled flights on Moscow-Sydney (via Hong Kong) route
Transaero Press Release 16.11.2007

Strong October for Hong Kong transhipment
26 November 2007
International Freighting Weekly

Air cargo transhipment volumes through Hong Kong remained reasonably strong in October, although import and export volumes grew only marginally.

October figures for the airport's biggest handler, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals, show transhipment volumes were up 4.9% to 44,000 tonnes for October and up 8.9% for the first 10 months of the year, to 379,000 tonnes.

Export volume for October was up 3% on the same month last year to 142,000 tonnes, and over the 10-month period, exports rose 2.8% to 1.2m tonnes. Import volumes for the first 10 months fell 1.1% to 564,000 tonnes.

A spokeswoman told IFW the higher level of transhipment growth mainly reflected an increase in flights between Hong Kong and destinations in mainland China, such as Cathay Pacific's now daily B747 freighter flights to and from Shanghai.

Happy landings, son
Parents are teaming up with their children as a passion for flying becomes a family affair
24 November 2007
South China Morning Post

For some parents, playing planes means jiggling a delighted toddler in the air for a few minutes. But for others, it's become a way of life in which children follow their mothers and fathers into the airline industry, and even work long-haul flights with them.

Chris Humphrey skippers such an airline family. When the 56-year-old base-training captain welcomed 400 passengers aboard Oasis Hong Kong Airlines' first anniversary flight to Chek Lap Kok from London last month, he introduced his first officer as "my son Richard".

It was a proud moment: flying is in the family blood, with his son piloting jumbo jets and his wife, Irene, and daughter, Vicky, also taking flying lessons. Chris flew British Airways aircraft for 35 years and 26-year-old Richard was raised in a household of ever-changing rosters, pre-dawn drives to the airport, plane-spotting and cut-price, exotic trips.

Chris recalls how his future first officer got the flying bug. "I was seconded to the Royal Flight of Abu Dhabi for five years and Richard flew out with his mum to Abu Dhabi every eight weeks."

And when he came home, he showed Richard a plane's controls and trained him. "I put him through his paces in the simulator," he says with a grin.

His son is convinced he's plotted the right career course. "I've always loved flying," says Richard, who got his commercial pilot's licence just before 9/11.

Airline jobs were scarce at the time, so Richard worked briefly as a baggage handler at Heathrow and saw life "from the other side" but mostly he stayed in the cockpit as an instructor. "I loved teaching others to fly," he says.

When Oasis was launched, Chris encouraged his son to join the airline.

"I had said that you only get the opportunity to join a new airline once in a career," says the captain, who later had to assess his son's flying skills.

"I did some circuits with Richard at Manston [airport in Kent, England]," Chris says. "He performed very well in a 20-knot crosswind, which I attribute to the quality of his previous instruction."

The Surrey-based captain and his Hong Kong-based son are close, but they agree cabin discipline is paramount. "On the flight deck we are both professionals and I respect his input, but I allow some pride in his achievements," Chris says.

Lufthansa captain Burkhard Werthmueller feels equally proud, though he's unlikely to fly 747s with his children, Florian and Constanze, who are both first officers with the carrier. They won't complete their training before he retires next year, but the younger Werthmuellers can't think of a better career.

"It's great that I can turn my hobby into a profession," says Florian, 26, a keen glider pilot who has flown since he was 15. "I don't consider it work."

Clashing rosters can hinder family get-togethers - especially when mum Gabriele is working as a purser - but the Werthmuellers are used to such diversions.

"My parents managed really well; when one was flying, the other was home," says Florian. "It was a good system. It was exciting seeing them come home and also taking them to the airport and waving goodbye."

Constanze says: "Because we are all in the business we all appreciate being at home together."

There are family ties in the galleys, too, and if you're flying on Virgin Atlantic, you'd better be nice to Jessica Butler because her mum, Patricia, might be helping her with the drinks trolley.

Cathay Pacific and Dragonair retire flight crew at 45, but recent changes to European labour laws have allowed cabin crew to work at other airlines until they are 65. Fiftysomething Patricia Butler leapt at the chance to join her daughter at Virgin when the age restrictions were lifted. The flight attendant's job is hard, but mother and daughter relish their four years of flying. When their rosters match, they commute to Heathrow together and Jessica switches from the upper deck to work in economy with mum.

"Mum comes outside and toots on her horn," says Jessica, who lives with her partner. "She'll drive one way and I'll drive back." The job brings lots of travel, and discounts for spouses help make up for their absence. The pair have yet to visit Hong Kong but Jessica says they plan to return to their shopping haunts in Georgetown on a Washington run, because "the Americans know how to do Christmas".

They say their stopovers are special. "Instead of just getting a drink and going to bed, when mum's there I force myself to stay awake and we go shopping and sightseeing," Jessica says. "It's really special sharing that together."

The family tie is often recognised in the cabin. "A passenger takes a second glance at us when we work the trolley together," Jessica says. "They love it that she's my mum. I couldn't call her Pat. Passengers ask: 'Did you just say mum?' The crew call her Ma Butler and that gets a nice connection going."

Archer says his mother interested him in flying and when she was eligible to fly again she quickly joined Monarch. "I can hardly believe I could make a career change at my age," says Batty. "I'm a granny."

The first time mother and son flew together "was a mad flight", says Archer. "Passengers heard me saying: 'Mum, can you pass me some wine?' It doesn't bother people. I tell her to hurry up and sort the toilets out. She takes it in good spirit and I know she'll tell me where to go. She clearly loves it."

Batty says her job is easier than it used to be. "There is no smoking on board now," she says. "In the early 1970s, it was awful. It was unfashionable not to smoke and people didn't look at the fire risk. Passengers would dangle their fags over the aisle, so we'd be darting round them as we moved trolleys through the cabin."

Despite some hardships, Archer says flying with his mother brings lots of happy memories. "Just after mum started, she came round in tears. She felt happy but was sad that she'd spent 16 years working for the [local district] council."

Patricia Butler says she feels 10 feet tall seeing her daughter at work. "When I fly with Jessica, I am so proud," she says. "My face lights up when I see her come through the curtain."

And Richard Humphrey was delighted to land his first commercial flight alongside his dad in Hong Kong. "I didn't envisage having the opportunity to fly with my father," he says. "I have to keep pinching myself, it's fantastic."

Businessmen look to delta helicopter taxis
26 November 2007
South China Morning Post

Businessmen with factories in the Pearl River Delta want to cut travelling time to and from Hong Kong, and are setting their sights on helicopter taxis.

In 2004, there were five ground-level helipads in Central that accommodated single-engine helicopters, widely referred to as helicopter taxis. But they were all closed to make way for the Central reclamation project.

The Hong Kong Regional Heliport Working Group, of which the Kadoorie family is a prominent member, has proposed a four-pad ground-level heliport in the northeastern corner of Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai.

The group's proposal is an expansion of a Planning Department blueprint that features two helipads in Wan Chai North, for Government Flying Service use.

Paul Chung Hu, managing director of a Taiwanese investment company who makes frequent trips from Hong Kong to the mainland, said it took at least half of a day for a road journey.

"It takes me at least three to four hours travelling from Admiralty to Dongguan , not counting the time wasted on traffic jams and joining the long queue crossing the border," he said, adding that taking a ferry could take even longer. He believed it would be much more convenient to develop air transport, saying that helicopter taxis would be a good choice for businessmen.

Chen Ke-tian, deputy director of the Shenzhen government's Taiwan Affairs Office, said there were about 4,000 Taiwanese doing business in Shenzhen, and helicopter taxis would help to connect all cities in the Pearl River Delta, which would help to boost economic activity in the region. There are no helicopter taxi services connecting Shenzhen with other cities in the delta.

Working group chairman Robbie Brothers said earlier this year the government's proposal for two helipads in Wan Chai North was inadequate, adding that all other world-class cities had heliports in their central business districts. He said an extra two pads added to the government's proposal would not require reclamation work.

Hong Kong Airlines Starts New Services from Hong Kong to Hefei
Airline Press Release
2007 Nov 26

http://www.hkairlines.com/web/commonImages/profile_p7a_s.jpg

Effective from 2nd December, Hong Kong Airlines starts its new service from Hong Kong to Hefei, the capital of Anhui Province, with 2 flights per week operating on every Wednesday and Sunday. Hong Kong Airlines is the first “Hong Kong-based” airline company to provide direct services to Hefei, and travel-lovers will have one more choice for their destinations.

Hefei has over two thousand years of history. It is a famous historic site from the Three Kingdoms Period and the hometown of Lord Bao who is a famous judge in ancient years. Travel spots in Hefei include Zhanghei historic estate, Luzhou Temple, Lord Bao Cultural Park, etc which have fantastic views and significant cultural values. “Bao River” inside Lord Bao Cultural Park is listed as the “Best View of Hefei”, while Luzhou Temple is listed as a top ancient cultural asset of the province.

Hefei Municipal Government has launched an unprecedented grand city-building program, thus lifting the curtain for economic increases. In 2006, the city has increased its productivity to 59 billion RMB, an upsurge of 17%, while the rate of increase in GDP, and the average disposable income for municipal and rural residents have become the top of the six provinces in the middle part of mainland China.

Hong Kong Airlines provides convenient tourist and trade links to Hefei by launching the direct flights. It will also provide opportunities for tourists and business partners to meet together, enjoying special events such as Anhui Food Festival. In 2006, this event has attracted over one million travelers to Hefei. In addition, Hefei is actively developing its city re-constructions, including new and high technology and economic zones, new residential developments in the lake districts, new railway lines with high speed trains, new airport, etc. In addition, Hong Kong Airlines also brings citizens of Hefei to the vibrant international cities like Hong Kong.

All flights to/from Hefei (HFE) are operated according to the following schedules - http://www.hkairlines.com/web/eng/ePress_HFE26Nov07.shtml

Zhuhai Hong Kong Airport Joint Venture Celebrates First Anniversary
Press Release

(HONG KONG, 23 November 2007) - Hong Kong-Zhuhai Airport Management Co. Ltd. (HKZAM), the joint venture between the Zhuhai Municipal People's Government and Airport Authority Hong Kong that manages Zhuhai Airport, today celebrated its first anniversary with a ceremony officiated by Central and Southern Regional Administration of Civil Aviation of China Deputy Director-General Xu Qiuju; Zhuhai Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China Secretary Deng Weilong; Airport Authority Chairman Dr Victor Fung and Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hui; and HKZAM Chairman Raymond Lai and General Manager Vivian Cheung.

HKZAM has managed Zhuhai Airport (ZHA) since 1 October 2006. In the joint venture's first year, air traffic at ZHA reached record levels, a series of enhancement projects were completed, in-town check-in lounges opened, new airlines began serving the airport, and Hong Kong and international shops and restaurants opened at ZHA.

Passenger throughput, cargo volumes and aircraft movements surged during the 12 months ended 30 September 2007. For the first time, annual passenger volumes exceeded 1 million, a year-on-year increase of 36%. Cargo throughput and air traffic movements reached 10,683 tonnes and 9,289, respectively, up 31% and 26%.

Both ZHA's network and flight frequencies expanded during the year. At the end of 2006, Spring Airlines began offering a daily round-trip service to Shanghai. In March 2007, Air China started operating a daily service to Beijing. Over the last year, the number of airlines operating at ZHA increased from four to six and the number of destinations grew from 18 to 24.

During the year, ZHA invested RMB22.5 million in airport enhancements, including new X-ray machines and customer service counters, renovations to the terminal building, and improvements to the navigation light, water drainage and fire service systems in the airfield.

In May and June 2007, ZHA opened its first in-town check-in lounges. Passengers can check luggage and obtain a boarding pass at the lounges, which are located in downtown Zhuhai and Zhongshan.

To enhance the passenger experience, more than a dozen new shops and restaurants opened at ZHA, including several Hong Kong and international brands. Three outlets - Cafe de Coral, Circle K and The Plaza - held opening ceremonies today.

To mark the joint venture's first anniversary, the Director-General of the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China, Yang Yuanyuan, sent a handwritten letter to HKZAM. He wrote, "The cooperation, whose future is sound and promising, is like an airbridge that is built upon China's air services liberalisation and the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) between the Mainland and Hong Kong." Director-General Yang also noted that both ZHA and its staff have undergone many positive changes. He thanked the staff for their efforts and encouraged ZHA to continue its good work and contribution to China's civil airport management.

Deng Weilong, Secretary of Zhuhai Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China, said, "The joint venture is another example of win-win collaboration between Hong Kong and Zhuhai. Over the last year, we have leveraged each other's expertise, skills and capital. With its good performance and increasing passenger and cargo volumes, ZHA will continue to reach new heights." He added, "With the support and guidance of the Guangdong Provincial Government and related departments as well as the commitment of the joint venture, we strongly believe that ZHA will continue to grow and achieve encouraging results."

Airport Authority Hong Kong Chairman Dr Victor Fung was pleased with the joint venture's better-than-expected performance. He said, "By sharing resources and capitalizing on our respective strengths, the joint venture allows Hong Kong International Airport and ZHA to achieve meaningful synergies. It also enhances the competitiveness of the two airports, creating a long-term, strategic partnership. Both airports will continue to play a vital role in the aviation and economic development of the western Pearl River Delta."

HKZAM Chairman Raymond Lai said, "While ZHA continues to add new routes and flight frequencies, we will also work to attract domestic and foreign aviation-related business to operate from ZHA. We expect a cross-boundary ferry service between ZHA and Hong Kong International Airport to begin in 2008. The new service will help increase passenger and cargo flows for both airports. Our goal for ZHA is to handle over 2 million passengers and 50,000 tonnes of cargo by 2011."

Mr Lai thanked the Central Government and its departments for providing sea and land transport connections to the airport, among other things. He added that ZHA's good performance was due to the dedication of the airport's staff and business partners.

Hactl welcomes East Star Airlines
Press Release

(26 November 2007, Hong Kong) Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) is pleased to welcome East Star Airlines Company Limited (East Star Airlines) as its new customer. The carrier launched its inaugural flight on 22 November, starting its daily flight between Wuhan, China and Hong Kong. The services rendered to East Star Airlines include physical cargo handling and air cargo documentation handling.

Wuhan is the first city in China to adopt the open sky policy. In July 2007, East Star Airlines, with its headquarters in Wuhan, was granted the rights to operate international service and became the first privately owned Chinese airline to be granted the permission to operate international flights.

Ms. Lilian Chan, General Manager, Marketing and Customer Service of Hactl said, "We warmly welcome East Star Airlines, and we congratulate the carrier to begin operating flights to Hong Kong and other international destinations, signifying the first privately owned Chinese airline reaching regions beyond Mainland China. As the leading air cargo terminal, Hactl is dedicated to providing world-class cargo handling solutions to East Star Airlines, supporting the carrier’s future growth worldwide.”

Mr. Adrian Tang, General Manager, Representative Office of Hong Kong and Macau, East Star Airlines said, “It is exciting for our airlines to run flight services outside Mainland China and we are pleased to start our daily flight service between Wuhan and Hong Kong. We foresee massive opportunities for our business growth in the region, especially when all Mainland cities are expected to adopt the open sky policies by 2010. East Star Airlines is happy to be partnering with Hactl, which delivers highly efficient, reliable and professional cargo handling services, and we are confident that Hactl would live up to our expectations and cater for our cargo needs arising from our business expansion.”

Vietnam approves first privately owned airline; domestic flights planned for next year
29 November 2007

HANOI, Vietnam (AP) - Vietnam's prime minister has agreed to license the nation's first privately owned airline, the government said in an announcement on its official Web site.

Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Co. plans to begin operating domestic routes next year linking the country's three largest cities, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang, according to the company's Web site.

It has registered capital of 600 billion Vietnamese dong (US$37.5 million; €25.5 million), the company says, and hopes eventually to offer flights to Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok.

Vietnam currently has three state-owned airlines -- Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines and Vasco.

All of the best advertising shown in the Hong Kong International Airport got its day in the sun in late June as the first “Fly High Awards 2005-2006 – Advertising at Hong Kong International Airport” organised by JCDecaux Pearl & Dean Ltd. (JCDecaux) showcased outstanding advertising campaigns from 2005-2006. A total of 13 awards in ten categories were presented.

Luxury goods maker Louis Vuitton and electronic mega-company Sony came out of the ceremony as the big winners. Louis Vuitton won the Gold Award of Excellence in Branding, plus one grand award –the Fly High Award – Best Creative, while Sony won the Gold Award of Excellence in Integrated Use of Media and Fly High Award – Best Use of Media.^^

Hong Kong's Dragon Air says to resume flights to Nepal

KATHMANDU, Nepal, Dec 1, 2007 (AFP) - Hong Kong-based airline Dragon Air was set to resume flights to Nepal's capital Kathmandu Sunday, showing the nation's renewed popularity as a tourist destination, a statement said.

The airline belonging to Cathay Pacific in 2001 halted services to Nepal, then racked by a bloody Maoist insurgency, citing commercial reasons.

"We will operate our flights between Kathmandu and Hong Kong four times a week from December 2," Tom Wright, Cathay Pacific general manager for India, Middle East, Africa and Pakistan said in the airline's statement.

Dragon Air serves niche markets in Asia in addition to its core mainland China market.

Nepal's tourist trade is reviving after the Maoists ended their bloody insurgency with a peace deal signed with mainstream parties late last year.

"As Nepal continues to grow in popularity with travellers from around the world, we have decided this is the right time to resume services to this fascinating country," airline chief executive Kenny Tang said in the statement.

The airline first started flying to Nepal in 1989.

The number of tourist arrivals in Nepal by air has shot up by more than 30 percent in the past 10 months to 295,855 compared with the same period a year earlier.

The move by Dragon Air comes after at least six international airlines have launched services to Nepal in the past year, tourism officials say.

However, tour organisers say there are not enough airline seats to serve the growing number of people who want to visit Nepal.

Annual foreign tourist arrivals in Nepal -- an essential stop on the famed "hippie trail" and a paradise for trekkers -- peaked at nearly 500,000 in 1999, but slumped to 283,000 in 2006 when the country's civil war reached a climax.

Nepal is a paradise for backpackers, hippies, trekkers, mountaineers and other adventure tourists. The tourism sector accounts for at least four percent of GDP and provides around 300,000 jobs.

The country has two tourist seasons annually -- one in spring, which ends around June with the onset of the monsoon, and another that begins in October, the prime season for trekking amid the country's majestic Himalayan peaks.

Airport Authority urges closer ties between PRD airports
4 December 2007
South China Morning Post

Airport Authority chairman Victor Fung Kwok-king expects closer "formal" ties among the five airports in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) as the proximity of infrastructure means they "cannot afford" to compete.

A firm believer in co-operation between airports in Hong Kong, Macau, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Zhuhai, Mr Fung said yesterday that formal ties such as management contracts and equity ownership were likely, while some could join forces to improve connectivity.

Co-operation could also provide an alternative to the proposed third runway at Chek Lap Kok, with completion of the first stage of a feasibility study due later this month, he said.

Maximising the capacity among PRD airports and increasing ferry, rail and road connections would benefit both Hong Kong and the mainland, Mr Fung said.

Asked whether the authority was negotiating an investment in Macau's airport, and there was "no concrete plan" on an equity linkage at present, but different forms of co-operation were being discussed, he said.

"Macau is a very big potential contributor to air capacity. If we manage efficiently and co-ordinate air capacity in the PRD, it will mean everybody has more capacity. It does not make sense not to co-operate," Mr Fung said.

Industry sources said the government had reservations about the new runway, partly for fear of over-burdening the airport's financial position. Environmental groups are also opposed to the plan to reclaim land and destroy marine habitats.

Christine Loh Kung-wai, chief executive of public policy think-tank Civic Exchange, said options must be explored before building new supply.

"If more can be done to improve capacity efficiency at the airport, and utilise existing capacity in the neighbourhood, then we all save money and time, and it may create better services all round," she said.

To fend off competition from the mainland and link its air network closer to that of the Yangtze River Delta and north-eastern areas of the country, Chek Lap Kok took a two-pronged approach, adopting both management and investment roles.

"If we [Hong Kong] are able to become an integral part of China, we will bring the entire mainland network to the international arena," Mr Fung said. "It will enhance Hong Kong's overall competitiveness."

He pointed out that the Airport Authority, which advises on Beijing Capital airport's terminal 3 project, plans to expand co-operation with 15 affiliated airports.

He added that Hong Kong's airport had benefited from the Airport Authority's management contract with Zhuhai airport, which is on the verge of breaking even after the authority started managing it a year ago. The authority also holds 35 per cent of Hangzhou airport.

Mr Fung shed no light on the rumoured listing of Chek Lap Kok airport, saying it was a matter of "the Hong Kong government's desire" to realise the value of taxpayers' money.

Cross-Pacific shoppers leave retailers reeling
Flights in the $200 range have consumers jetting off to Asia
3 December 2007
Vancouver Sun

Vancouver-area agents that specialize in travel to Asia report that flight bookings to Hong Kong this fall have spiked as much as 50 per cent compared to last year, spurred on by cheap air fares and the strength of the Canadian dollar.

In fact, some Lower Mainland retailers and restaurants say that they are actually feeling a pinch because there is a mini-exodus of consumers, who usually stick around town and spend, but are now flying more often to Asia, sometimes for weeks at a time.

Battling the appeal of cross-border shopping is one thing, but these businesses also blame a slump in sales on the lure of cross-Pacific shopping.

For example, at Prima Taste Restaurant on Robson Street, owner Kiam Ang serves authentic Singaporean dishes to a clientele that consists of one-third regulars. Lately, however, many of these usual faces haven't been showing up.

"These are customers who usually come in once or twice a week," said Ang. "Then, [suddenly] we don't see them for a few weeks. And when they come back, they tell us that they have been away and might be off again soon.

"The airfares are so cheap right now. They are going and coming back and going again."

Shanghai River Restaurant, on Westminster Highway in Richmond is an elegant and popular 5,000-square-foot-plus establishment. November is usually a slower time of year, said manager Yu Yick Man, but "this year, it is definitely down from even the usual lows, by some 20 to 30 per cent."

When asked how he knows that this dip is necessarily due to more of his regular clients travelling to Hong Kong, Yu echoed other observers: "I just know that everybody is away. My friends have gone. My family is away. Even my wife has gone back.

"You think about it, it's just $200 to get on a plane."

Cathay Pacific Airways and Air Canada have both offered lower fares to Hong Kong this year, but it is new entrant Oasis Airlines and its slew of bargains that seems to have stirred this activity and piqued people to travel.

The budget airline has thrown out various one-way to Hong Kong fares around the $200 mark: There was $299. Then, there was $239. This week, there's yet another at $229.

It has also enticed bookings by tacking on free side trips with a Hong Kong-based partner, flinging travellers on to Singapore, Vietnam and destinations in southern China.

Paulus Ng, who heads Silkway Travel, an agency with Hong Kong roots that now has eight Lower Mainland locations, said that consumers have lapped up Oasis's marketing.

"The conventional way is to list round-trip ticket fares, but [Oasis] is breaking fares into one-way prices as a gimmick. It's so that it looks really cheap."

And once thoughts of such a good bargain are sparked, "they'll still go back [to Hong Kong] even though, very often, they can't [actually get] the cheapest airfares as advertised," said Audrea Chan, a Chinese-language newspaper reporter.

Whatever the case, Ng said that "more people who hadn't planned on going to Hong Kong are saying: 'With these cheap fares, let's go. It's not a big deal.'

"These aren't 'astronauts' [the trans-Pacific commuters who work in Hong Kong and frequently fly to see their families in Vancouver]. They live full time in Vancouver. Often, they aren't working, but are going to shop, have fun and see friends."

Take Donna-Rica Cheung, a Vancouver resident who hadn't been back to her native Hong Kong in eight years. When her sister Desiree, also a long-time Vancouver resident, returned from Hong Kong in July only to head back there again in October, Cheung herself decided to take a look at the cheaper fares.

"They are really reasonable," she said in a phone interview from Hong Kong, where she and her sister will spend a few more weeks before returning to Vancouver in time for Christmas. "We have been buying clothes and shoes and stuff like that. It's very cheap. And we are eating a lot, out every day."

Ng, the travel agent, thinks there is actually a modest shift happening in buying patterns. "In the past, they may have used that money to buy clothing or other things here, but now that disposable income is going toward travelling and shopping elsewhere," he said, adding that most Asian currencies are pegged to a falling U.S. dollar.

Tony Gugliotta, senior vice-president of marketing and commercial development at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), confirmed some of this anecdotal evidence in an email reply: "Indeed, YVR has experienced more than a 50-per-cent growth in Hong Kong origin and destination traffic in the three full months after Oasis Airlines commenced service ending September [based on latest available data], accompanied by approximately a 34-per-cent decline in Canadian dollar terms of the average fare."

More than 50-per-cent growth in overall Hong Kong traffic is significant, but behind this there is another trend: When Vancouver-area travel agents are asked how many more bookings they have each been making, there is a very wide range of answers.

For example, Ng at Silkway thinks that Silkway's bookings to Hong Kong are up about 25 per cent. But, at Richmond-based M's Travel Ltd., travel agent Connie Chan said that she was up 50 per cent.

At Oasis Airlines, Vancouver-based general manager David Solloway was hearing many different numbers too, which made him dig harder to explain the discrepancies:

"The Vancouver agents who traditionally serve Hong Kong Chinese business are up about eight to 14 or 15 per cent," said Solloway.

"But the agents who cater to customers with mainland Chinese roots are up substantially more."

That's because the population of immigrants from mainland China in Vancouver is much bigger and still expanding.

"These customers are booking more trips to Hong Kong, but going on from there into southern China. From these agents, I am hearing of a 35- to 45-per-cent or more increase in bookings," said Solloway.

This bit of insight on passengers funnelling through Hong Kong to and from southern China is interesting considering that late last week, Premier Gordon Campbell, who is on a 10-day trade mission to China and India, was flanked by top YVR airport executives in announcing an agreement for China Southern Airlines to fly direct from Guangzhou, in the the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, to Vancouver.

YVR's Gugliotta said in an e-mail: "Currently, citizens of Guangdong must travel either to Shanghai or Beijing to take advantage of air services to Vancouver, or alternatively transit through Hong Kong.

"Direct air service will allow greater ease and comfort for the many travellers moving between our two provinces. This new direct service will increase trade, travel and tourism between Guangzhou and YVR."

All sorts of snafus could derail a current target for this to happen in July 2009, but the agreement is a sign of the pressure to add more options for consumers travelling to and from this Hong Kong/southern China region.

At Cathay Pacific Airways, vice-president Canada Philippe Lacamp emphasized that there is room for a variety of "products" to serve the Vancouver/Hong Kong/southern China market.

In November, Cathay, which is based in Hong Kong and linked to more than 20 mainland Chinese cities, added three more flights to its weekly Vancouver to Hong Kong schedule even as Oasis basked in an impressive Vancouver debut.

While all these airlines try to grab market share, in the long term it is likely that demand will outstrip supply, leaving room for each of them.

"As long as the pie is growing, it's great," said Lacamp. "You have to consider the sheer size of the population in that area around Hong Kong and southern China and the potential of bringing that to Vancouver."

And that takes us back to those Vancouver retailers and restaurants. At least one of them is keeping his chin up. At Aberdeen Centre, a mall in Richmond with well-known Asian chains, there has been a drop in local shoppers who have been going to Hong Kong because of low airfares and the strong dollar, said Thomas Fung, who developed and oversees the property.

However, Fung is hopeful that those same cheap flights will balance the loss by bringing more new shoppers from Hong Kong and southern China to his mall more often.

Local airlines see business in Beijing Olympics
6 December 2007
Business Standard

Indian domestic carriers such as Jet Airways, Kingfisher and SpiceJet, are suddenly waking up to the lure of a new growing market - Hong Kong and Shanghai - with the Olympics slated in China next year.

"We are definitely looking at Hong Kong as one of the key destinations in Asia. Subject to getting the government's approval, we would like to start daily flights from Delhi and Mumbai, beginning with the summer schedule next year," said Wolfgang Prock Schauer, CEO, Jet Airways.

Currently, only two carriers operate between India and Hong Kong. Air India has 12 flights a week and Cathay Pacific operates 8 flights.

"There is an immediate capacity increment to at least 21 flights in a week, with a possible increase in the future," said Kapil Kaul, CEO Indian Subcontinent, Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA).

Kingfisher is another carrier which is evaluating Hong Kong as a viable destination. "We are looking at daily flights to Hong Kong from Mumbai. It would definitely be put to good use as a hub for several North Asian destinations," said Hitesh Patel, executive vice president, Kingfisher Airlines.

Apart from being a shoppers paradise and a tourist destination, Hong Kong also has an immense potential as a hub for other North Asian destinations such as Beijing, Macau and Shanghai.

Airlines such as Jet Airways and Spice Jet are also looking at starting direct flights to these destinations. One of the key drivers of traffic growth will be the Beijing Olympics scheduled next year.

"The Beijing Olympics will definitely be a huge market for the carriers. We expect the sales to go up around that time. And for people who are going for the Olympics, Shanghai will serve as a good tourist attraction," said Prock Schauer. Jet Airways is planning to start daily direct flights to Shanghai during the summer schedule next year. Spice Jet is also actively looking at starting flights to destinations such as Macau next year, provided it gets the approval for international operations.

The demand for increased traffic during the Olympics has already been tapped by international airlines and the yields have begun to show. Recently, Malaysia Airlines started four weekly flights from Kuala Lumpur to Macau. Singapore Airlines, which operates more than 100 weekly flights to that region from Singapore, has started advanced bookings for people headed for the Olympics.

Finnair opens new gateway for China
6 December 2007
South China Morning Post

Finnair's introduction of direct flights to Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou this year is positioning Helsinki as China's new gateway to Europe. With a flight time of less than 10 hours, the Finnish capital is the shortest, fastest and most eco-efficient route between Asia and Europe.

Frequent connections through Helsinki-Vantaa Airport also enable fastest-possible links to many European destinations - including Italy, Spain and southern Europe.

The national carrier is now flying non-stop daily between Hong Kong and Finland in summer, with three flights a week in winter. Complementing the fastest route to Europe were "excellent connections" to more than 50 destinations, said Ville Ahokas, country manager for Hong Kong, southern China and Macau.

This year's service upgrade improves on a previous schedule of three times a week via Bangkok.

Finnair now operates 25 flights a week to China. It has resulted in a 31 per cent increase in Chinese travellers staying overnight in Finland, surpassing 100,000 for the first time. The number of Finnish visitors to Hong Kong has also increased dramatically, from 11,604 in 2004 to 15,645 in 2005 and 18,616 last year. Finnair's traffic to Asia is expected to grow by 30 per cent this year.

"Already over half of our revenue comes from Asian traffic," said Finnish Civil Aviation Administration spokeswoman Irmeli Paavola. "Thanks to its geographical locations, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is a natural place to change flights when travelling between Asia and Europe. In the future 'via Helsinki' will become a concept in travel between these two continents."

Finnair has focused on increasing its Asian traffic since 2000, with its inaugural flight to Hong Kong in 2002. Finnair now operates 59 weekly flights to Asian destinations - compared to 13 weekly flights to four Asian destinations in 2001.

Apart from China, it also flies non-stop to Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Delhi, Mumbai and Bangkok, with Seoul introduced next summer.

The Finnish carrier is also the only airline operating direct cargo flights to Scandinavia, aboard its Finnair Cargo fleet. Finnair is renewing its long-haul fleet with environmentally friendly Airbus A330 and A340 aircraft by 2010.

Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Nov throughput up 2.4 pct on yr
7 December 2007

HONG KONG (XFN-ASIA) - Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Ltd(Hactl) said its cargo throughput in November rose 2.4 pct year-on-year to 250,743 tons, the highest monthly volume ever.

For the first 11 months to November, cumulative throughput was 2,393,610 tonnes, up 2.7 pct year-on-year.

Export volume was 149,600 tonnes for November and 1,348,905 tonnes for the first 11 months, up 3.3 pct and 2.9 pct year-on-year, respectively.

Import volume for November was 60,942 tonnes, up 0.6 pct; while the cumulative import volume for the first 11 months was 625,489 tonnes, down 0.9 pct.

Trans-shipment volume was 40,201 tonnes for November and 419,216 tonnes for the first 11 months, up 2.0 pct and 8.2 pct year-on-year, respectively.

(1 usd = 7.8 hkd)

港深機場軌道 或對接廣深港線
文匯報

【本報珠三角新聞中心記者岳仿嶙深圳11日電】在今日舉行的深圳市新聞發佈會上，深圳市軌道辦有關負責人表示，根據目前規劃，港深機場軌道，將與建設中的廣深港客運專線對接，形成更大的客流量。

該人士透露，深圳有關方面已完成「深港機場連接軌道」的前期規劃研究—軌道全程30多公里，將在深圳境內，與在建的廣深港客運專線交接。在與該線路接駁後，港深機場軌道，將不僅僅輻射深圳，更可輻射廣州、東莞兩地，可為香港機場提供更多的客源。

對於港深機場軌道，張思平表示，目前該項目已經進入規劃期，但距離真正施工仍有一段時間。他表示，在深圳地鐵高峰建設期結束前，即2010年前，該條軌道投入建設的可能性不大。同時，他亦表示，在明年，廣深港客運專線的建設速度將加快。在明年上半年，該專線的福田地下車站將正式動工。

OPINION : Selfish businessmen do not need noisy helipad on Wan Chai waterfront
2 December 2007
South China Morning Post

Selfish businessmen do not need noisy helipad on Wan Chai waterfront

The Hong Kong Regional Heliport Working Group led by Robbie Brothers and the Kadoorie family, seem determined to bring misery to thousands of Hong Kong residents by their dogged determination to continue fighting for a large commercial heliport in Wan Chai. ("Businessmen look to delta helicopter taxis", November 26).

The fact that helicopters are the noisiest, statistically dangerous, and most inefficient powered passenger carrying machines known to mankind seems to count for nothing to these helicopter fanatics. Have you gentlemen not heard about the seriousness of global warming and the need to reduce unnecessary consumption of fossil fuels? Are you yourselves so deaf or oblivious to the deafening noise nuisance inflicted on those who lie near your heliports or under your flight paths? Why do you persist in advocating the most selfish form of transport ever invented?

Already investors and residents in a new and popular skyscraper residential complex on the waterfront at Kennedy Town are belatedly discovering how they or their tenants are constantly disturbed by the aggravating noise of helicopters buzzing past their balconies every few minutes to and from the Macau ferry heliport. And if this were not enough, you now wish to inflict this menace upon the residents of Wan Chai and the many thousands of tourists who visit Golden Bauhinia Square every day? Why so much selfishness?

And to businessman Paul Chung Hu, who complains of it taking four hours to drive from Admiralty to Dongguan , what is wrong with using the railways Mr Chu? You can leave Admiralty and be guaranteed to arrive in Dongguan within about two hours without even worrying about traffic conditions if you take the train.

There is absolutely no justification for introducing more helicopter flights for a few businessmen. No business person is so important as to warrant the imposition of constant noise and pollution misery on many thousands of residents just to save an hour or two in travelling time in respect of a journey that can be made adequately by railway, bus or if absolutely necessary, private car.

P. A. Crush, Sha Tin
Businessmen look to delta helicopter taxis
26 November 2007
South China Morning Post

Businessmen with factories in the Pearl River Delta want to cut travelling time to and from Hong Kong, and are setting their sights on helicopter taxis.

In 2004, there were five ground-level helipads in Central that accommodated single-engine helicopters, widely referred to as helicopter taxis. But they were all closed to make way for the Central reclamation project.

The Hong Kong Regional Heliport Working Group, of which the Kadoorie family is a prominent member, has proposed a four-pad ground-level heliport in the northeastern corner of Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai.

The group's proposal is an expansion of a Planning Department blueprint that features two helipads in Wan Chai North, for Government Flying Service use.

Paul Chung Hu, managing director of a Taiwanese investment company who makes frequent trips from Hong Kong to the mainland, said it took at least half of a day for a road journey.

"It takes me at least three to four hours travelling from Admiralty to Dongguan , not counting the time wasted on traffic jams and joining the long queue crossing the border," he said, adding that taking a ferry could take even longer. He believed it would be much more convenient to develop air transport, saying that helicopter taxis would be a good choice for businessmen.

Chen Ke-tian, deputy director of the Shenzhen government's Taiwan Affairs Office, said there were about 4,000 Taiwanese doing business in Shenzhen, and helicopter taxis would help to connect all cities in the Pearl River Delta, which would help to boost economic activity in the region. There are no helicopter taxi services connecting Shenzhen with other cities in the delta.

Working group chairman Robbie Brothers said earlier this year the government's proposal for two helipads in Wan Chai North was inadequate, adding that all other world-class cities had heliports in their central business districts. He said an extra two pads added to the government's proposal would not require reclamation work.

http://www.bruneiair.com/hongkong/images/promotion/flydaily.jpg

Press Release

Double-digit Growth in Passenger Traffic at HKIA

(HONG KONG, 16 December 2007) - Passenger throughput at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) exceeded 4 million in November, the largest increase this fiscal year and a 10.0% improvement on November 2006.

Cargo throughput grew 6.2%, to 364,000 tonnes, driven by strong exports to South East Asia and Europe, and transshipments to and from South East Asia and Mainland China. Air traffic movements increased 6.1%, to 25,210.

Stanley Hui, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said, "We saw robust visitor traffic in November, particularly from the Mainland, North America and Europe. At our current growth rate, annual passenger volume will soon reach 50 million. HKIA is ready to meet this demand and committed to delivering top-quality services and facilities."

For the 12 months ended 30 November, passenger throughput was 47.4 million, cargo volume reached 3.72 million tonnes and air traffic movements were 294,180. This represented year-on-year growth of 7.5%, 4.3% and 5.2%, respectively.

Hong Kong sees best ever October inbound figures
Monday, December 17, 2007


Hong Kong has seen more than 2.56 million travellers in the first ten months of 2007, making it the best ever end of October figure, reported the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKBT).

This increase sees the cumulative statistics for the ten month January to October period lift to an increase of 10.4%, up to 22.93 million inbound.

Mainland China played a big helping hand in lifting these figures by increasing by some 25%, but a boost also came from key long-haul regions, all of which recording double digit gains.

‘Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific’ lifted by 17.1%, ‘The Americas’ lifting by 15.0%, and ‘Europe, Africa & the Middle East’ lifting by 11.0%.

In a statement, the HKBT said, “Exceptional performances were recorded in such long-haul markets as Canada (+26.8%), New Zealand (+21.8%) and France (+11.9%), and from the key volume providers, including the United States (+11.5%), the United Kingdom (+12.5%), Australia (+16.4%) and South Korea (+10.2%).”

An interesting market in South East Asia is Vietnam, with a strong and unexpected surge this year, with the ten month numbers already surpassing 2006 whole year figures.

This recent report has seen the regional director for the South and Southeast Asia for HKTB David Leung commenting to a local Vietnamese newspaper that the board is eyeing Vietnam over bigger ASEAN countries such as Thailand and the Philippines.

Records of numbers from China continue to astound, with the month of October alone recording nearly 1.4 Mainland Chinese tourists coming in to the harbour city.

Airport heads for 50m passengers in yearly volume
Hong Kong Standard
Monday, December 17, 2007

Passenger and cargo throughput at Hong Kong International Airport last month remained strong and annual passenger volume will soon hit 50 million, Hong Kong Airport Authority chief executive Stanley Hui Hon-chung said.

The airport handled about 4.03 million passengers in November, up 10 percent from a year ago - the largest year- on-year growth recorded in 2007.

"If the current growth rate prevails, annual passenger volume will soon reach 50 million," Hui said.

An Airport Authority spokesman said: "The target is not for this year or next year. We will not give a time frame. But it will be achieved soon."

For the first 11 months of this year, total passenger throughput was 43.5 million.

Annual passenger throughput last year was 44.4 million.

The airport is the world's fifth busiest international passenger airport and the most active worldwide for air-cargo operations.

Cargo volume last month rose to 364,000 tonnes, up 6.2 percent from the same period in 2006 and 3.12 percent from October this year.

According to Immigration Department statistics, about 27,611 passengers arrived daily at the airport last month - a new record high.

Hong Kong Inbound Travel Association chairman Paul Leung Yiu-lam said a record high in November is surprising because the month - unlike August, October and December - is not a peak period.

The mainland, North America and Europe accounted for the bulk of arrivals.

With the yuan appreciating, shopping in Hong Kong is more attractive, luring more mainland shoppers to the city, said Raymond So Wai-man, a finance professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

港深研究鐵路連接兩機場
18/12/2007
東方日報

【 本 報 訊 】 政 務 司 司 長 唐 英 年 與 深 圳 巿 巿 長 許 宗 衡 今 日 將 代 表 兩 地 簽 署 合 作 協 議 ， 協 議 涵 蓋 基 建 、 環 保 、 服 務 貿 易 、 醫 療 生 等 多 個 範 疇 ， 重 點 包 括 兩 地 機 場 的 合 作 ， 進 一 步 研 究 興 建 連 接 赤 角 和 深 圳 機 場 鐵 路 的 可 行 性 的 經 濟 效 益 ， 以 及 探 討 河 套 區 的 發 展 規 劃 等 。

許 宗 衡 率 團 訪 港
許 宗 衡 昨 日 率 領 來 自 十 多 個 部 門 的 深 圳 巿 政 府 代 表團 來 港 ， 展 開 其 三 日 的 訪 港 之 旅 ， 昨 許 先 與 行 政 長 官 曾 蔭 權 會 面 ， 而 其 今 次 訪 港 的重 點 將 是 與 政 務 司 司 長 唐 英 年 於 今 日 共 同 主 持 深 港 合 作 會 議 ， 並 簽 署 有 關 協 議 。

據 悉 ， 雙 方 將 在 會 議 上 談 及 的 合 作 範 疇 相 當 廣 泛 ， 除 了 兩 地 機 場 、 基 建 、 服 務 貿 易等 合 作 外 ， 亦 會 進 一 步 探 討 蓮 塘 、 香 園 圍 口 岸 的 規 劃 ， 而 兩 地 又 會 就 深 港 創 新 圈 的科 技 合 作 範 疇 方 面 作 出 討 論 。

另 外 ， 許 宗 衡 率 領 的 代 表 明 日 則 會 出 席 一 個 深 港 金 融 合 作 的 懇 談 會 ， 主 題 是 在 深 港 共 建 世 界 級 大 都 巿 的 背 景 下 ， 共 同 探 討 深 港 金 融 合 作 。

舊航道嚴重擠塞
港航班被迫延誤
2007年12月18日

http://www.mingpaonews.com/20071218/18GMX.gif

【明報專訊】現時本港有兩條往返內地航道，據熟悉民航安排人士估計，新建議的航道設計是按同一高度並排飛行原則，在原有航道的60浬外規劃另一新航道；現時空運頻繁，2005年時誤點的香港航班超過3000班。

新舊航道並排距60浬

民航處發言人指出，建議中的新航道跨越香港和華東地區的飛行情報區，建議尚在計劃階段。民航處前處長樂鞏南解釋，所謂飛行情報區(Flight Information Region)其實是不同國家或地區提供領空資料的區分，沒有任何情報意思。

內地大部分空域屬禁區

他續稱，按其經驗所知，本港往來華東地區的航班都是沿海岸線飛行，他推斷新航道會以同一高度並排飛行原則，規劃在距離原有航道60浬處。

香港中文大學航空政策研究所副主任羅祥國認為，現時往來本港華南、華北地區的航班非常繁忙，擠塞情也很嚴重。據悉，其中一個原因是由於本港航班往返華北和華中，都使用同一航道出口，加上內地大部分的空域屬於軍事管制區域，民航機不得進出，令航班經常誤點，單計2005年，誤點的航班便超過3000班，比 2004年多近兩倍。在上月底解放軍軍演期間，兩日內來往香港和上海的120航班之中，有多達七成半、即約90班延誤或取消，部分延誤逾4小時。

滬港新航道飛台海惹台灣抗議
貼近海峽中線 台灣﹕或啟動防空系統
2007年12月18日

【明報專訊】香港又捲入緊張的兩岸關係之中。本港民航處證實，現時正和內地民航部門商討一條新航道，供來往香港至華東地區的航機使用；據悉該航線將會是海峽兩岸分治近60年來，首條飛越台灣海峽上空的大陸內陸航道。台灣國防部強調，一旦有戰機飛越台海中線，台灣地面防空系統即會啟動。時事評論員認為，雖然台北大為緊張，但始終使用航道的是民航機，台北不會貿貿然影響航機安全。本港民航處澄清，並沒有和台灣民航局作正式接觸。

民航處否認接觸台灣

消息人士指出，內地和香港就新航道的磋商持續約半年。由國家民航總局及港澳地區民航處共同成立的三方小組，在今年初已就新航道的設立和位置達成共識。有關建議交由民航總局空中管制專家和司級官員組成的《珠三角空中交通管理推進實施領導小組》再審議，消息人士強調，具體落實方案現階段仍有修改空間。

但台北對這條新航道的反應非常強烈。台灣官方稱，本港民航處在上月26日以電郵通知台灣交通部民航局，表示大陸將會開設香港至上海的RNAV新航道。台灣國安機構憂慮新航道距離台灣海峽中線只有4.2浬，屆時兩岸的飛機將面臨交叉飛行的危險局面。

據台灣傳媒報道，新航道逼近海峽中線警戒區，會壓縮台灣軍機訓練的空間，美國亦已表達高度關切。一旦大陸蘇愷戰機藉新航道跨越中線，只要3分鐘即可到達台北上空，故台灣國防部長李天羽強調，只要可疑軍機飛過中線，台灣的地面防空系統就會啟動，包括管式的火炮系統和地對空導彈都會做好射擊準備。

呂秀蓮爆出消息

有關新航道的消息，其實是前天台灣副總統呂秀蓮為民進黨籍立法委員參選人助選時爆出。昨天有台灣傳媒指大陸本有意藉此恢復兩岸協商，並由香港扮演中間人與台灣談判，但台灣以「層級太低」為由回絕。

台灣陸委會副主委劉德勳否認有協商之說，強調大陸方面只是告知，並無提協商之事。台灣交通部已向國際民航組織(ICAO)提出抗議，未來如何處理，台灣的陸委會、國防部、國安局和交通部均表示會密切注意。

時事評論員劉銳紹認為，民航客機基於航道擠塞而另闢航道，做法合理，台北的反對意見較難獲得支持。他不太擔心民航機飛近中線產生危險，認為除非台北當局想令局勢升級，否則不會使用軍機攔截民航機。

國台辦﹕正了解情

中國國務院台灣事務辦公室表示，國台辦今天才從媒體的報道中看到這消息，不太清楚具體情，目前仍在了解中。

有開辦港滬航線的國泰航空表示，洽談新航道屬政府之間的事務，航空公司角色較被動。

港龍航空表示，因有關新航道仍在磋商中，公司不宜回應，但會繼續密切留意有關事態發展。

明報記者 張虹梅(駐台)、 陳朗昇 聯線報道

Taiwan criticises Beijing over air route near air force training zone
18 December 2007
South China Morning Post

Taiwan has criticised the mainland for creating new tension across the Taiwan Strait by unilaterally creating a new air route close to the island's air force training space.

It is seeking help from the International Civil Aviation Organisation and other countries in voicing opposition to the new route, said to have been approved by the mainland's Central Military Commission on December 5, Taiwanese officials said yesterday.

"The [new] mainland Chinese route is too close to us, which will not only affect flight safety but will also squeeze the manoeuvring space of our military planes in various drills and training," National Security Bureau director Shi Hwei-yow said.

He told lawmakers the new route would help Beijing monitor Taiwan or take other actions that could further escalate cross-strait tensions.

Military officials said the new route could also create misunderstanding if mainland planes strayed to the Taiwanese side as the air force and other military units would be forced to react.

The new route is 67.2km away from the "midline" of the Taiwan Strait, an unofficial dividing line that has been observed by the two sides for decades to avoid unexpected clashes. Taiwan has eight air force training zones and two live-fire practice zones that use the airspace east of the midline. It also has three air routes from the islands of Quemoy and Matsu that fly near it.

Taiwanese Defence Minister Lee Tien-yu yesterday said it would take mainland warplanes just 20 seconds to cross the line and three to five minutes to fly over Taipei city.

He said mainland civilian planes had previously strayed "slightly" into the Taiwanese zone or flown close to the line, and the military had standard operating procedures to deal with any situation according to the risk levels and perceived intentions.

Questioning the motive behind Beijing's designation of the new route, Taiwan's foreign ministry said it had appealed to the international community to express concern about the unilateral move, which not only violated international aviation practices but also created flight safety and cross-strait stability problems.

"We have obtained support from some countries in voicing their concern about the case," foreign ministry spokeswoman Phoebe Yeh Fei-bi said. The International Civil Aviation Organisation had been asked by certain countries to look into the issue and take possible action, she added.

Ms Yeh did not identify the countries, but Taiwanese media reported that they included Japan, Singapore and Canada.

She said the mainland informed Taiwan's Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA), through Hong Kong authorities, of the new route on November 26, without discussing the issue with the island, even though it involved Taiwan's rights.

CAA director Billy Chang Kuo-cheng confirmed that Hong Kong "aviation authorities" had notified CAA of the new route. But the Hong Kong's Civil Aviation Department (CAD) said it did not have any "formal contact" with Taiwan's CAA.

CAD spokeswoman Stella Tse Wai-ling said the department and mainland aviation authorities were discussing the setting up of a new air route that would cross the flight information regions of Hong Kong and the eastern mainland, but the route was still being planned.

Taiwan's opposition legislators yesterday questioned the National Security Bureau's motive in highlighting the air route dispute, speculating it could be a plot to give independence-leaning President Chen Shui-bian an excuse to freeze the upcoming legislative and presidential elections, faced with what they said was lacklustre performance of the candidates of Mr Chen's ruling Democratic Progressive Party.

There have been rumours that Mr Chen could stoke cross-strait tensions by deliberately having Taiwanese warplanes stray into the mainland's air zone to create conflict.

India, Hong Kong agree to liberalise air services

NEW DELHI, Dec 19 (Reuters) - India and Hong Kong have agreed to liberalise air services by increasing the number of flights and allowing carriers to fly onward to other countries, India's civil aviation ministry said on Wednesday.

The new agreement allows 27 new services per week for each on the India-Hong Kong route, it said in a statement.

India can operate the new services from any point in India, while Hong Kong has been allowed 10 services to Delhi, six to Mumbai and 11 in all to Bangalore, Chennai and Kolkata.

Currently, India's state-run Air India [AI.UL] operates 12 flights to Hong Kong, and Cathy Pacific has eight flights to India from Hong Kong every week.

Under the earlier agreement, these carriers were not allowed to fly onward to a third country.

India, Hong Kong fly in more freedom
20 December 2007
The Economic Times

NEW DELHI: India and Hong Kong on Wednesday agreed to allow each other 27 new flights per week and also settled for exercising the fifth freedom that would allow designated airlines of the two sides to take passengers from each other's territory to a third country.

"While the Indian airlines can operate 27 services from domestic destination, the other side can operate 10 services to Delhi, 6 services to Mumbai and 11 services altogether to Bangalore, Chennai and Kolkata from Hong Kong," a ministry of civil aviation statement said.

Taking advantage of the fifth freedom, Indian carriers could operate 14 services to West Coast North America (including Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver) using Hong Kong as a hopping destination. Reciprocally, the Hong Kong carrier can use India to take 14 services to various European destinations, except UK.

The two sides also entered into a liberalised code-share agreement. It would enable airlines of both sides to join hands with airlines of third countries for operating extended services to various destinations. Indian carriers are eyeing operating flights to New Zealand through code-share agreement with Air New Zealand.

"This agreement would increase the number of direct flights on India-Hong Kong route and intensify competition among airlines. The move is in the overall interest of passengers and growth in trade and tourism," the statement added.

The move comes at a time when the Indian government is planning to relax the guidelines to fly overseas by domestic carriers.

This would allow start-up airlines such as Kingfisher Airlines and SpiceJet to start international operation. The country's largest low-cost carrier Air Deccan plans to fly globally early next year. Jet Airways, the only private carrier of the country having a strong foothold across the world, is also looking at aggressively expanding its international operation.

Indian carriers fly directly to Hong Kong
20 December 2007
The Times of India

NEW DELHI: Connectivity on the important India-Hong Kong and more importantly to the west coast of US via southeast Asia is all set to improve. Passengers would have choice of more - and possibly cheaper - direct flights to Hong Kong and no longer be required to transit through Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok.

With China yet to permit more flights, HK can also be used by Indian carriers to provide onward connections to the west cost. For example, a leading private Indian carrier's Mumbai-Shanghai-San Francisco flight is yet to be cleared because of an ongoing impasse with China over allowing one of its cargo airlines to some Indian cities due to security concerns.

Ending years of deadlock on the issue of bilateral traffic rights, India and Hong Kong held talks successfully here this week. Led by aviation ministry joint secretary R K Singh, the two sides agreed to allow 27 new services for each side to the existing eight every week. "While the Indian side can operate these 27 services from any point in India, the Hong Kong carriers can operate 10 services to Delhi, six services to Mumbai and 11 services altogether to Bangalore, Chennai and Calcutta. Chennai was added as a new point of call during these talks for the Hong Kong side," said an aviation ministry statement.

An agreement was also reached on the exercise of "fifth freedom beyond traffic rights". Out of the 27 services, Indian carriers will be able to operate 14 services to West Coast cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver. Reciprocally, the Hong Kong carrier can exercise beyond fifth freedom rights through India on 14 services to Europe excluding UK.

The two sides also had a code share agreements for their airlines and also with a third country carrier. "Indian carriers are already looking at serving New Zealand through code share over Hong Kong with Air New Zealand," said the statement.

German private jet crashes in Almaty, killing 1 person
AP - Thursday, December 27

ALMATY, Kazkhstan - A privately owned German jet crashed and exploded while taking off from an airport in Kazakhstan's commercial capital on Wednesday, killing one passenger and injuring three crewmembers, officials said.

The Challenger 604 business jet had been on its way from Hannover, Germany, to Hong Kong and landed for refueling at the Almaty airport. While taking off early Wednesday, it veered off the runway and exploded, Almaty rescue service said in a statement.

Two pilots and a flight attendant were injured and the single passenger on board died in the accident, it said.

The passenger was not identified by name, and the reason for the crash was not immediately clear.

New air service pact with mainland to ease passenger, cargo restrictions
27 December 2007
South China Morning Post

Mainland and Hong Kong authorities have signed a new round of air service agreements under which they will gradually remove restrictions for passenger and cargo transport, state media reported.

The number of airlines operating between the two jurisdictions will be increased from next summer, the report said. Hong Kong officials will unveil details of the arrangement at a press conference today.

"The level of passenger and cargo traffic will be increased," mainland newspaper Ta Kung Pao quoted a General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC) official as saying.

Under a memorandum of understanding signed between the CAAC and Hong Kong, cargo flights from Beijing and Shanghai to Hong Kong will increase by 14 flights a week starting from summer and autumn next year, while other places of origin will have no restrictions.

For passenger flights, restrictions on the number of flights from the seven busiest mainland cities - Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Kunming, Dalian and Chengdu - to Hong Kong will be relaxed gradually starting from next summer.

Limits on flights from 49 other mainland cities will be removed completely.

Three passenger airlines and two cargo carriers will be allowed to fly to all seven established routes from next summer.

Starting from winter next year and spring 2009, four passenger airlines and three cargo carriers will be allowed to fly to the seven routes.

For other routes there will be no limitations on operator numbers.

The mainland and Hong Kong signed a similar air services arrangement last year, increasing access to major mainland commercial centres.

The arrangement, which government officials said had strengthened links between Hong Kong and the mainland, also enhanced the competitiveness of Hong Kong International Airport and strengthened Hong Kong's status as an international and regional aviation centre.

From news.gov.hk:
HK strengthens regional aviation ties (http://news.gov.hk/en/category/infrastructureandlogistics/071227/html/071227en06006.htm)

HK airline blocks VIPs' armed guards
No guns on board after pilot outcry
6 January 2008
South China Morning Post

Bodyguards carrying military-issue pistols have been banished from Dragonair planes flying domestic routes on the mainland following an outcry from pilots of the Hong Kong-based airline.

No armed bodyguards have boarded Dragonair jets hired, together with their crews, to fly Air China routes under a so-called "wet lease" agreement since the Hong Kong pilots protested publicly about them nine months ago.

The controversy has sparked international debate in the aviation industry about drawing up rules for the use of armed guards on civilian aircraft.

Dragonair pilots were told in a management memo in October 2006 to allow armed bodyguards for VIPs, carrying QSZ-92 pistols and ammunition, to board six Airbus A330 and A320 passenger jets operating flights serving between Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou.

Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department rules banning firearms from planes were waived for the wet-leased flights, and armed bodyguards flew five times between November 2006 and February last year.

Guns and ammunition were supposed to be separated before the bodyguards boarded the planes, but on the only known occasion on which the captain asked a VIP guard to produce his gun - on a Shanghai to Beijing flight on December 6, 2006 - the weapon was fully loaded.

Pilots voiced fears that the armed bodyguards - assigned to guard individual senior politicians or VIPs - were not answerable to the captain and carried guns that could blow a hole in a plane's fuselage.

Although the policy of allowing armed bodyguards on board remains in place, not one has been allowed on a wet-leased Dragonair plane since the pilots' protests became public in March.

"It may be a huge coincidence, but it is more likely to be sensitivity to the situation with regard to Dragonair pilots," said one pilot. "Either way, it has defused a potentially very volatile situation."

A Dragonair spokeswoman confirmed there had been no instances of armed bodyguards boarding wet-leased flights since the controversy early last year and said the scaling back of its arrangement with Air China meant it was unlikely there would be any such instances in future.

She said only one wet-leased Dragonair jet was now operating on the mainland - flying between Shanghai and Shenzhen - and the arrangement was due to end in mid-year.

Flights operated under the wet-lease arrangement must still carry an Air China in-flight security guard armed with a short dagger, handcuffs, rope, torch, screwdriver and pliers and authorised to act independently to subdue a hijacker.

Pilots objected to the in-flight security guards and the issue, along with the question of armed VIP bodyguards, was raised with mainland aviation officials at a meeting of the International Federation of Airline Pilots Associations in Beijing in September to discuss security.

Discussions between pilot groups and civil aviation bodies internationally are continuing.

David Newbery, president of the Hong Kong Airline Pilots Association, said: "We hope that ongoing discussions will lead to a greater harmonisation of protocols and procedures worldwide and better understanding and co-operation."

Japan's ANA to begin flights from Hong Kong to Tokyo's Haneda
7 January 2008
AFX Asia

TOKYO (Thomson Financial) - All Nippon Airways said Monday it will start daily round-trip flights between Tokyo's Haneda airport and Hong Kong, the latest destination to be served from the Japanese's capital's central hub.

Most international flights to the Tokyo area fly into Narita airport in suburban Chiba prefecture, a journey of more than an hour from the central city.

All Nippon Airways, Japan's second-largest carrier, plans for daily flights between Haneda and Hong Kong starting on April 1, a company spokesman said.

It is part of Japan's aviation deregulation based on the government's Asian Gateway Initiative, which is designed to expand exchanges with Asian countries, the spokesman said.

Haneda, which is Asia's busiest airport, mostly handles domestic flights but in recent years has started service to Seoul and Shanghai.

Japanese airlines are also considering flights between Haneda and Beijing in time for the Beijing Olympic Games in August.

The Russians are coming
9 January 2008
Daily Telegraph

SYDNEY Airport Corporation said Russian airline Transaero has become the latest carrier to fly into Sydney.

Transaero will begin a new fortnightly charter service to Sydney from Moscow, via Hong Kong, on Boeing 767s.

Sydney Airport chief executive Russell Balding said Transaero is Sydney Airport's 39th global carrier, with Moscow becoming the airport's 52nd destination.

Mr Balding said the airline is established and growing and would give more choice for international tourists wanting to travel to Australia.

Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals 2007 Throughput +2.7% To Record
10 January 2008

HONG KONG (Dow Jones)--Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Ltd. said Friday its throughput rose 2.7% to a record in 2007, as rises in exports and transshipments outweighed declining import volume.

Hactl, which handles about 80% of air cargo passing through Hong Kong International Airport, said in a statement it handled 2.63 million metric tons of cargo in 2007.

Export volume last year rose 2.9% to 1.48 million tons and transshipment volume jumped 8.3% to 460,670 tons, but import volume fell 1% to 689,139 tons, the statement said.

Year-earlier figures weren't provided.

In December, Hactl handled 238,689 tons of cargo, 3% more than the same month in 2006.

Export volume grew 3.8% to 133,584 tons, transshipment volume rose 8.8% to 41,453 tons while import volume declined 2% to 63,652 tons, it said.

Hactl is jointly owned by Swire Group, Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. (0293.HK), Jardine Pacific Ltd., Wharf (Holdings) Ltd. (0004.HK), Hutchison International Port Holdings Ltd., China National Aviation Corp., and Citic Pacific Ltd. (CTPCY)

Press Release

DRAGONAIR TO LAUNCH NEW SERVICE TO BANGALORE, INDIA
15 January 2008


Dragonair today announced that it will fly passengers to India for the first time in May when it launches a new service to Bangalore, a major economic hub that in recent years has become the technology capital of India.

The service to Bangalore will commence on May 1, 2008 with daily flights operated by A330-300 aircraft. The launch of the destination will open up new opportunities for people travelling between Hong Kong and the thriving southern region of India.

"We are excited to be able to announce our entry into the huge Indian market. This is a very important step for Dragonair and a major development in Hong Kong’s role as a leading international aviation hub," said Dragonair Chief Executive Officer Kenny Tang.

"With a daily service to and from Bangalore we can use Hong Kong’s hub advantage to connect travellers onto Dragonair’s extensive network of destinations in Mainland China as well as the international network of our sister airline Cathay Pacific."

Bangalore will be the seventh new destination to be launched since Dragonair became part of the Cathay Pacific Group in September 2006. In the past year the airline has also launched scheduled services to Phuket, Busan, Fukuoka, Sendai and Kathmandu, and a daily charter service to Taichung in Taiwan.

Royal Jordanian launches Hong Kong service

AMMAN, Jan 20, 2008 (AFP) - National carrier Royal Jordanian launches a new service to Hong Kong next week in a bid to bolster tourism and trade between the kingdom and China, the company said Sunday.

The three-flights-a-week service begins Tuesday and will include stopovers in the Thai capital Bangkok, airline chief Samer Majali said, adding that the service is expected to become daily next summer.

Majali said the new route was aimed at bolstering trade and tourism between Jordan and China and will cater particularly to businessmen.

Royal Jordanian, which is working on plans to privatise, has a fleet of 26 passenger planes and serves more than 50 destinations around the globe.

It has opened several new routes over the past two years.

Last year it signed a deal with Boeing to buy two 787 Dreamliner long-haul aircraft, with options for two more, as part of an overall strategy to overhaul its fleet which currently consists mostly of Airbuses.

Press Release

HKIA Posts Record Traffic Figures in 2007

(Hong Kong, 23 January 2008) - Throughput at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) set new records in 2007, with passenger numbers climbing 7.5% from 2006, to 47.8 million, cargo volumes growing 4.5%, to 3.7 million tonnes, and air traffic movements advancing 5.4%, to 295,600.

Stanley Hui, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, noted, "It was a good year for passenger traffic, as robust economic growth in both Mainland China and Hong Kong continued to underpin the increase in throughput at HKIA.

"Hong Kong was an attractive destination for travellers from jurisdictions with appreciating currencies and the Individual Visit Scheme facilitated tourist flows from the Mainland. Outbound travel by Hong Kong residents also experienced good growth because of the strong local economy, which led to a higher propensity to spend and travel," Mr Hui said.

Cargo throughput at HKIA benefited from sustained growth in trade between China and its major trading partners. While seasonal factors contributed to a slow start to the year, traffic began to pick up in the second quarter. "Cargo volumes have been increasing since the second quarter of 2007, stimulated in part by intra-regional transshipments to and from the Mainland and by exports to Southeast Asia. In addition, the strength of the euro helped to create healthy demand for cargo services to and from Europe," Mr Hui added.

Mr Hui is confident about 2008. HKIA should benefit from the Mainland and Hong Kong's positive economic fundamentals, the growth momentum of both economies, and passenger flows associated with the Beijing Olympic Games. Despite an expected slowdown in the United States, Mr Hui is cautiously optimistic about cargo throughput in 2008.

HKIA is undertaking a series of terminal and airfield enhancements to prepare the airport to serve 50 million passengers annually. These expansion projects will also ensure HKIA continues to deliver award-winning levels of service, comfort and efficiency.

HKIA benefited from strong holiday-driven demand in December. Passenger throughput reached 4.3 million, up 9.1% from December 2006, while cargo volumes grew 5.7%, to 338,000 tonnes, and air traffic movements increased 5.9%, to 25,650.

http://www.hongkongairport.com/pr_download/200712e.pdf

Press Release

Hong Kong Express Airways Granted Beijing and Shanghai Routes

Obtains Coveted Third Carrier Status under New Liberalisation Agreement Summer Timetable to see Double Daily Flights to Beijing and Shanghai

Hong Kong, 22nd January 2008 … Hong Kong Express Airways is delighted to announce its designation by the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department as the third Hong Kong carrier permitted to operate flights between Hong Kong and Beijing, and Hong Kong and Shanghai.

Following a new agreement signed last month between Hong Kong and mainland Chinese authorities to further liberalise the aviation market by increasing the number of airlines allowed to operate on key mainland China routes, Hong Kong Express Airways’ application to be the third designated carrier to operate flights to Beijing and Shanghai has been approved.

“It has always been our goal to provide services on these key routes so naturally we are overjoyed at seeing our goal realised. This is fantastic news,” said Mr. Ronnie Choi, President of Hong Kong Express Airways. “2008 will be a landmark year for Hong Kong Express Airways.”

To facilitate the airline’s expansion in 2008, Hong Kong Express Airways will add a further six Boeing 737-800 aircraft to its current four-strong fleet of the same type before the end of the year.

DHL adds more Hong Kong-Philippines air freight service
23 January 2008
Ta Kung Pao

DHL International strengthens its air freight network in Asia in order to satisfy an increasing demand for air cargo transportation. Air cargo service between Hong Kong and Manila will operate more frequently from four times a week to five times a week starting from the mid-January 2008. The additional service ensures sufficient capacity for air express service between Hong Kong and the Philippines. DHL anticipates the added service to push up the cargo transportation capacity by 58% to 240 tons per week.

Press Release

Hong Kong Express Airways Granted Beijing and Shanghai Routes

Obtains Coveted Third Carrier Status under New Liberalisation Agreement Summer Timetable to see Double Daily Flights to Beijing and Shanghai

Hong Kong, 22nd January 2008 … Hong Kong Express Airways is delighted to announce its designation by the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department as the third Hong Kong carrier permitted to operate flights between Hong Kong and Beijing, and Hong Kong and Shanghai.

Following a new agreement signed last month between Hong Kong and mainland Chinese authorities to further liberalise the aviation market by increasing the number of airlines allowed to operate on key mainland China routes, Hong Kong Express Airways’ application to be the third designated carrier to operate flights to Beijing and Shanghai has been approved.

“It has always been our goal to provide services on these key routes so naturally we are overjoyed at seeing our goal realised. This is fantastic news,” said Mr. Ronnie Choi, President of Hong Kong Express Airways. “2008 will be a landmark year for Hong Kong Express Airways.”

To facilitate the airline’s expansion in 2008, Hong Kong Express Airways will add a further six Boeing 737-800 aircraft to its current four-strong fleet of the same type before the end of the year.

that's good news for HK. Other airlines have been asking for something like this for a while. Now, cathay cannot dominates these two major routes.

Three Applications from HK Express issued in the HK Gov't Gazette. Please click the links below for more details.

From HK to Cities in India and Middle East (http://www.gld.gov.hk/cgi-bin/gld/egazette/gazettefiles.cgi?lang=e&year=2008&month=1&day=25&vol=12&no=04&gn=450&header=1&part=0&df=1&nt=gn&newfile=1&acurrentpage=12&agree=1&gaz_type=mg)

From HK to Cities in Australia (http://www.gld.gov.hk/cgi-bin/gld/egazette/gazettefiles.cgi?lang=e&year=2008&month=1&day=25&vol=12&no=04&gn=451&header=1&part=0&df=1&nt=gn&newfile=1&acurrentpage=12&agree=1&gaz_type=mg)

From HK to Cities in Japan (http://www.gld.gov.hk/cgi-bin/gld/egazette/gazettefiles.cgi?lang=e&year=2008&month=1&day=25&vol=12&no=04&gn=454&header=1&part=0&df=1&nt=gn&newfile=1&acurrentpage=12&agree=1&gaz_type=mg)

Airlines get green light to raise fuel surcharge
27 January 2008
South China Morning Post

Increased airline fuel surcharges will not put a dampener on Lunar New Year travel plans as the public have "grown used" to rising air ticket prices, the head of the Travel Industry Council said yesterday.

Cathay Pacific is expected to increase its oil surcharge fees from Friday, the fourth such increase in six months.

Cathay Pacific and five other airlines obtained approval from the Civil Aviation Department on Friday to raise its oil surcharge from this week, from HK$466 to HK$508 for long-distance journeys and from HK$113 to HK$123 for its short-haul flights. The surcharge levied on Cathay's long-distance flights has risen 23 per cent since July.

Travel Industry Council executive director Joseph Tung Yao-chung said that the new round of oil surcharges were not likely to dampen people's flight plans.

"They've actually become used to it," Mr Tung said.

Other airlines expected to raise their fuel surcharges from Friday are Dragonair, China Eastern, JetStar Asia, Royal Nepal and Saudi Arabian Airlines.

Hong Kong Airlines Adjusts Fuel Surcharge on 1 Feb 2008
2008 Jan 29
Press Release

With effect from 1 Feb 2008, all tickets issued on/after that date by Hong Kong Airlines (HX) will be levied a fuel surcharge of HKD123 (USD15.80) per sector for all flights.

HK proposes to exempt import, export declaration charges on articles used in aircraft

HONG KONG, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- A spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau of the Hong Kong government said Wednesday that it planned to introduce the Import and Export (Registration) (Amendment) Regulation 2008.

The suggestion of introducing the amendment regulation is to exempt all import and export declaration charges in respect of aircraft parts and accessories used in the repair or maintenance of aircraft owned or chartered by local-based airlines.

The spokesman said that the scope of exemption under the proposal also covered the import declaration charges on articles used in the repair and maintenance of freight containers operated by local-based sea or air freight transport companies.

"This is a technical amendment to regulation 8 of the Import and Export (Registration) Regulations to better reflect our policy concerning the exemptions. Nevertheless, while the proposal seeks to exempt the declaration charges, traders will continue to be required to lodge relevant trade declarations," the spokesman said.

The amendment regulation will be introduced into the Legislative Council (Legco) on Feb. 20, and subject to Legco approval, it will be gazetted on Feb. 22 and commence operation on the same date.

At present, anyone who lodges an import/export declaration in respect of an article not exempted from declaration charge is required to pay a declaration charge.

A bit strange a Star Alliance airline will promote flights on a oneworld partner :

Lufthansa to cease Manila-Europe flights: reports

MANILA, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- German carrier Lufthansa Airlines will no longer fly from Manila to Europe starting March 30 due to tough competition posed by Middle Eastern airlines, reports said on Tuesday.

The reservation office of Lufthansa in Manila confirmed that by April, the airline will be out of Manila and that all its European flights will be made via Hong Kong, Philippine TV network ABS-CBN reported.

Filipino travelers who want to take Lufthansa flights to Europe can go to Hong Kong via Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa said.

Lufthansa was the latest among European carriers to pull out of the country following British Airways, Swiss International, Alitalia and Air France.

Lufthansa has been operating in the Philippines for more than two decades, and accounts for nearly 30 percent of passenger traffic to and from Europe.

This leaves KLM Royal Dutch Airlines as the only European carrier flying non-stop from Manila to Europe via Amsterdam.

Meanwhile, flag carrier Philippines Airlines is hesitant to fly to Europe, saying that the service is not profitable at the moment because of small passenger traffic.

Philippines Airlines president Jaime Bautista said the airline is more interested in adding flights to the United States than in opening flights to Europe.

This, despite the recent downgrade in the country's aviation rating from Category 1 to Category 2, which requires carriers to maintain a status quo of current services to the States.

Travel sector fears canceled tours
30 January 2008
China Daily - Hong Kong Edition

Amid fears that hundreds of holiday tours to the mainland could be canceled next week, travel industry representatives will meet today in an emergency session.

Among the topics: the possibility of having to give millions of dollars worth of refunds during the peak Chinese New Year travel season.

The refund possibility stems from a Hong Kong Travel Industry guideline saying that if travel agencies cancel tours outside of Guangdong Province less than two weeks before the scheduled departure, customers' travel costs must be fully refunded and the agencies should include a bonus of 15 percent of the tour's fee.

The council's chief executive, Joseph Tung, said the snow storms are rare and out of the control of the travel industry.

He said the travel agencies will suffer serious financial losses if they follow the guideline. And in that regard, he said that both the interests of both passengers and the industry should be considered.

But Ng Hay-on, deputy general manager of China Travel Service, said he doesn't think the guideline is applicable when the cancellation is related to nature.

His travel agency has already canceled two tours to Changsha that were scheduled to depart today and this Saturday.

Ng said that in the interest of their safety, travelers probably wouldn't want to depart in bad weather.

The mainland blizzards have already hurt the company and resulted in more short trips to Guangdong being planned to make up for the losses, Ng said.

The news is worsened, Tung said, given that more than 100 flights are scheduled to leave Monday for Changsha, Nanjing and Wuhan - where the airports are currently closed because of bad weather.

He said it's unknown when the airports will be able to reopen. Those regions, and others on the mainland, are still being rocked by severe weather that continues to disrupt air and rail transport from Hong Kong.

Yesterday evening, 24 flights to and from the mainland were canceled and 61 were delayed.

The cancellations were due to bad weather in Shanghai, Nanjing, Nanchang, Changsha, Wuhan and Hangzhou.

The Airport Authority asked passengers to call airline companies before going to the airport.

Three trains, including a Beijing-bound one that departed on Sunday, have been delayed, affecting 900 passengers.

And because of power interruptions, those passengers may not even have access to electricity or hot water on the trains, according to MTR Corporation General Manager for Intercity and Freight Carmen Li.

Plane crash in Kazakh airport was caused by crew’s mistakes – commission

ALMATY. Jan 29 (Interfax-Kazakhstan) - The crash of a German plane that occurred at the Almaty airport on December 26, 2007 was apparently caused by mistakes made by the crew, a member of the commission investigating the crash told reporters on Tuesday.

According to information obtained by the transport prosecutor's office, the plane, which was flying from Hanover to Hong Kong, crashed shortly after takeoff on December 26, 2007. The plane was carrying four people, a passenger and three crewmembers, one of which was killed in the crash.

"The crash occurred because of the mistakes made by the crew," Rishat Tustkbayev, the head of the airport's flight safety inspectorate, told reporters on Tuesday.

Hong Kong and Japan Finalise New Air Services Arrangements
Airport Authority Press Release

(HONG KONG, 31 January 2008) - Airport Authority Hong Kong today welcomed the conclusion of the latest round of air services consultations between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Government of Japan.

The new arrangements enable unlimited air passenger and cargo services between Hong Kong and all cities in Japan except Tokyo. Our airlines will be able to respond to market demand by increasing services to Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Sendai and Okinawa. The arrangements also permit the launch of new services between Hong Kong and other Japanese destinations, including Kagoshima and Okayama.

In addition to enhancing Hong Kong's access to the world's second largest economy, the new arrangements strengthen the position of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) as a leading regional and international aviation hub.

Airport Authority Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hui said, "Japan and Hong Kong are major trading partners and there are strong tourist flows between both destinations. The new arrangements create additional opportunities for airlines serving the passenger and freight markets and will encourage carriers to provide more schedule and fare choices for their customers."

In 2007, 3.9 million passengers travelled on routes between Hong Kong and Japan, up 5% from 2006. Each week, a total of 154 passenger flights and 59 freighter services operate from HKIA to Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Sendai and Okinawa.

HK Gov't Gazette:

Application for Air Hong Kong to South and Southeast Asian Cities (http://www.gld.gov.hk/cgi-bin/gld/egazette/gazettefiles.cgi?lang=e&year=2008&month=2&day=1&vol=12&no=05&gn=599&header=1&part=0&df=1&nt=gn&newfile=1&acurrentpage=12&agree=1&gaz_type=mg)

More visitors, closer trade ties with new Japanese open-skies agreement
Hong Kong Standard
Friday, February 01, 2008

An open-skies agreement has been reached between Hong Kong and Japan to liberalize air services, but Tokyo's Narita Airport has been excluded as it is in the process of being expanded.

Transport and Housing Secretary Eva Cheng Yu-wah yesterday said the agreement will strengthen Hong Kong's status as an international and regional aviation hub.

Currently there are 154 passenger flights and 59 freighter services operating between Hong Kong and Japanese cities including Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Sendai and Okinawa each week.

The arrangement will enable unlimited air passenger and cargo services to all of these cities, excluding Tokyo, and flights between Hong Kong and Kagoshima and Okayama can also be launched.

The Transport and Housing Bureau said both sides are aiming to add more services to Tokyo in the next round of talks scheduled for 2009.

The two major Hong Kong airlines - Cathay Pacific and Dragonair - welcomed the new arrangement, but only Hong Kong Express announced that it would be applying for the right to fly to Nagoya, Kagoshima and Okayama. The airline had previously announced that it would be flying to Okinawa starting from April.

Travel Industry Council executive director Joseph Tung Yao-chung said he hoped the increase in the number of flights would decrease the price of package tours to Japan.

A Hong Kong Tourism Board spokeswoman said she hoped the new arrangement would encourage more Japanese visitors from secondary cities to visit Hong Kong.

From January to November 2007, there were 1.198 million Japanese visitors, up 1 percent against the same period in 2006. At the same time, 383,460 Hong Kong people visited Japan, an increase of 22 percent.

Trade Development Council's director in Japan Shigemi Furuta expects closer bilateral trade relations between Hong Kong and Japan because of the new arrangement.

Japan is Hong Kong's third-largest trading partner, with the total volume of trade between Hong Kong and Japan amounting to HK$406.9 billion last year.

Flight delays and cancellations continue
3 February 2008
South China Morning Post

Hong Kong continues to suffer flight delays and cancellations as a result of the storms on the mainland.

Yesterday, three flights to Changsha and Hangzhou were cancelled. Another 29 to those and other destinations, including Shanghai, were delayed.

Ahead of the Lunar New Year, the mainland is supplying Hong Kong with an additional 60,000 chickens and 1,000 pigs a day, but Secretary for Food and Health York Chow Yat-ngok warned that supplies of beef and vegetables could fall.

Travel agents who had sold New Year trips to Hong Kong to people living in the worst affected areas have begun reselling tour places to people living in Guangdong, who can still travel to the city with relative ease.

Hunan residents were to have made up between 5 and 8 per cent of holiday visitors to the city.

"We expect a lot of the groups from Hunan will not be able to come because of the weather," said Michael Wu Siu-ieng, of the Association of Travel Agents.

A clearer picture of the situation should emerge by tomorrow, he said.

Pilots fired as two small HK airlines merge
2 February 2008
South China Morning Post

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070527/IMG_3795.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070527/IMG_3803.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070527/IMG_3804.jpg

For some small operators, a merger is perhaps the best survival tactic in the cutthroat aviation industry.

Hong Kong's two small money-losing airlines, which have a common shareholder, are synchronising routes and integrating management and sales operations to seek elusive profitability, according to company sources.

Hong Kong Airlines has merged its management team with that of Hong Kong Express Airways, laying off 14 pilots in the process.

HNA Group owns a 45 per cent stake in each of both carriers while casino magnate Stanley Ho Hung-sun and other individual investors own the rest of Hong Kong Express. HNA also owns Hainan Island's Grand China Airlines and is planning to list it in Hong Kong.

To rationalise resources, the two carriers will combine their management teams and their sales and marketing functions. Under the new structure, Hong Kong Express president Ronnie Choi and Hong Kong Airlines chief executive David Lui will jointly handle corporate development.

Until now, the two airlines have competed for air rights and aircraft resources, even though they have a common shareholder.

Hong Kong Airlines rejected the suggestion that an expansion slowdown was behind the layoffs. Chairman Ren Weidong had unveiled a plan a year ago to expand routes to 30 cities and the fleet size to 40 aircraft by 2010.

The airline has committed to buying 51 planes from Airbus at a catalogue price of US$5.5 billion. It has a fleet of seven Boeing 737-800s, six in operation and one on wet lease to another carrier. It will be taking delivery of an additional aircraft on Monday.

"We still want to speed up our growth, and laying off less suitable pilots is one of the steps to take," Mr Lui said.

The 14 first officers being laid off were still under training, not having enough flying hours to serve. Most of them flew turboprop aircraft, which are popular for domestic flights in Europe but seldom used in Asia. They would take a long time to adapt to operating jetliners.

Mr Lui said the company would hire other first officers with more flying hours on the right aircraft type to cope with the development plan, without specifying a number.

The last time a local airline laid off staff was in 2001, when Cathay Pacific Airways sacked more than 50 pilots to cut costs.

Hong Kong Airlines flies to 12 mainland cites including Qingdao, Tianjin and Xiamen, as well as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. It will add routes to Manila and several Japanese destinations this year.

With four B737-800s in its fleet, Hong Kong Express serves Bangkok, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Guiyan, Ningbo and Xian. It will start services to Beijing and Shanghai at the end of next month and to Okinawa in April.

RTHK News:
Record number of flights take off from Chek Lap Kok (http://www.rthk.org.hk/rthk/news/englishnews/20080207/news_20080207_56_466758.htm)

Hong Kong Airlines Welcomes the 8th New Boeing 737-800 Aircraft
Press Release
2008 Feb 4

Hong Kong Airlines has today taken delivery of a new Boeing 737-800 aircraft, the eighth such aircraft to be added to the airline’s fleet.

The new aircraft is the first to join the fleet this year in preparation for the forthcoming new business and route introductions.

“The arrival of this new aircraft today effectively marks the start of what is undeniably an ambitious programme for strategic expansion in Hong Kong market,” said Mr. Raymond Ng, Director, Marketing and Sales of Hong Kong Airlines. “This, plus the significance of the new routes that these aircraft will be employed on, to both travellers and the aviation industry in Hong Kong, adds up to what will without doubt be a milestone year in Hong Kong Airlines’ development,” he added.

Configured in two classes: 156 seats in economy class and 8 seats in business class, the new Boeing 737-800 aircraft can accommodate a total of 164 passengers with deluxe materials of seats with 32” seat pitch and adjustable headrest.

Cargolux expands services linking Hong Kong and Budapest
5 February 2008
Journal of Commerce Online

Cargolux Airlines International announced it will add a fourth weekly flight from Hong Kong into Budapest, starting Feb. 26.

The expansion brings too six the number of weekly services operated by the Luxembourg-based all-cargo carrier from Asia into the Hungarian capital.

The additional flight is operated every Tuesday at 8:10 a.m. local time out of Hong Kong, with arrival in Budapest at 3:15 p.m. local time. Departure from Budapest is at 4:45 p.m., with arrival in Luxembourg at 6:35 p.m. the same day. The existing flights from Hong Kong are operated on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

The company also offers two flights routed Taipei-Bangkok-Budapest, on Thursdays and Sundays.

Hactl announces January tonnage throughput ; A surge of 25.1% in transshipment sector
HACTL Press Release

(11 February 2008, Hong Kong) Transshipment cargo continues to be the key driving force behind robust cargo growth, according to the latest cargo statistics released by Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl), the air cargo terminal that handles the majority of general air cargo at the Hong Kong International Airport.

Hactl released today its tonnage throughput for the first month of 2008. A total of 206,615 tonnes were handled in January, representing a 7.5% year-on-year growth. Import volume for January was 56,060 tonnes, up 3% year-on-year. Export tonnage was 112,283 tonnes, up 4.7% against January last year. Transshipment demand stayed strong before Chinese New Year: transshipment tonnage in January showed a year-on-year growth of 25.1%, with a total of 38,272 tonnes of cargo being handled.

Press Release

Passenger Traffic Grows 13.5% in January

(Hong Kong, 17 February 2008) - Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) had a busy January with passenger traffic reaching 4 million, up 13.5% from January 2007.

Stanley Hui, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said it was a good start to the year. "We saw sharp increases in the number of visitors from Europe, the Chinese Mainland, South East Asia and South Korea. In addition, holiday traffic started to move early before the Lunar New Year holidays, with significant growth in the number of transfer passengers travelling between the Mainland and Taiwan and between the Mainland and destinations in South East Asia."

Strong pre-holiday demand from Europe and South East Asia saw cargo throughput reach 295,000 tonnes, an 8.9% increase from last January. Air traffic movements rose 5.3% from January 2007, to 24,800.

For the 12 months ended 31 January 2008, HKIA handled 48.3 million passengers and 3.8 million tonnes of cargo and recorded 296,770 air traffic movements. This represented year-on-year increases of 8.5%, 5.2% and 5.7%, respectively.

http://www.hongkongairport.com/pr_download/Jan2008e.pdf

that's a nice increase for passenger at Jan.

Fliers should offset emissions to counter traffic surge, activists say
18 February 2008
South China Morning Post

The Airport Authority should spearhead an emissions-offsetting campaign because of the recent surge in air traffic, a green group said yesterday.

Hong Kong International Airport handled 3,995,000 passengers last month, up 13.5 per cent on January last year. From February 7 to February 10 - over the Lunar New Year - 1,477 passenger flights departed.

Green Sense estimated that the outbound planes emitted 150,064 tonnes of carbon dioxide while travelling 4.5 million kilometres.

"Carbon dioxide is easier to soak up with trees if it is emitted at ground level, but much harder when discharged high in the sky by planes," group president Roy Tam Hoi-pong said.

He said about 600,000 trees would have to be planted to offset the 150,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emitted during the first four days of the Lunar New Year, assuming that each tree would absorb 0.3 tonnes of carbon dioxide in 30 years.

He urged the Airport Authority, airlines and travel agencies to spend 10 per cent of their profits on carbon-neutral programmes to reduce the rate of climate change.

Carbon-neutral action meant investing in tree planting and renewable energy projects such as wind power and solar energy to offset carbon dioxide emissions, Mr Tam said.

He said a quarter of 40 airlines surveyed were taking part in carbon neutral programmes.

They included British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Dragonair and Qantas.

Mr Tam said travellers could pay an extra fee to support the programmes when they bought their ticket.

"It is not yet widely known as there is not much promotion," he said. "The airlines with such programmes should strongly advocate it for the good of our environment."

He also called on Hongkongers to avoid taking flights whenever possible.

"If you must fly, you should pay more to back carbon-neutral campaigns to offset the emissions and choose closer travel destinations if possible," he said.

Mr Tam also suggested holidaymakers travel by train or car whenever possible.

An Airport Authority spokes-woman said the public's opinions were welcome but did not say if it would consider the green group's suggestion.

New heliport poised for liftoff in Wan Chai
Noise concerns played down
20 February 2008
South China Morning Post

Permanent heliport facilities will finally be realised in the heart of Hong Kong, paving the way for more convenient commercial short-haul travel despite worries about noise and pollution.

The government will seek funding for the proposed Wan Chai heliport from the Legislative Council by the middle of this year.

The project is estimated to cost HK$23 million.

It includes three pads for government and commercial use at the northeastern corner of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre site.

No reclamation is necessary.

Robbie Brothers, chairman of the Hong Kong Regional Heliport Working Group, said the project was not contentious but had not really been a priority of the government, especially since the Government Flying Service (GFS) had the use of a temporary helipad at the former Wan Chai Public Cargo Working Area.

The Central Helipad facilities in Lung Wui Road, Admiralty, were closed in January 2004 for reclamation work.

The group, which represents the local helicopter industry, has been pushing for a permanent heliport in the central business district.

The government plans to brief Wan Chai District Council on the project next month before seeking funding approval from Legco's public works subcommittee and Finance Committee by the middle of the year.

Raymond Ho Chung-tai, who chairs the public works subcommittee and is a member of the Finance Committee, said a heliport should be conveniently located in the central business district and not just at the Macau ferry terminal in Sheung Wan, which is not close to urban areas.

He also said the cost should not be a problem as the project would be tendered out.

The government has told the group that the use of the heliport would be shared but absolute priority had to be given to government emergency and other essential flying services at all times.

"We have no qualms about giving way to emergency services," Mr Brothers said. "But the GFS said no commercial operator can use the facilities when its helicopters are using it, not even the parking pad. This is impractical and creates unnecessary flights, adding to costs and creating more noise."

The consultant report said the noise impact of the heliport on Causeway Centre, which is the nearest residential building at 450 metres away, was 74 decibels, within the 85-decibel limit specified in the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines. Strong winds created by helicopter use could also be mitigated by a barrier, the report concluded.

Avid aviator Sir Michael Kadoorie, who provides limited rooftop helicopter services at The Peninsula hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui, has long supported helicopter travel, saying helicopters are more suitable than corporate jets for flying times of less than one hour.

HK Gov't Press Release:
LCQ5: Extension of franchises for air cargo terminals (http://info.gov.hk/gia/general/200802/20/P200802200169.htm)

^^ I really question the location of that helipod. You are putting it right next to a tourist attraction. WTH.

Report: Pilot responsible for Continental plane's tail strike on takeoff at Newark airport
29 February 2008

NEWARK, New Jersey (AP) - Federal investigators say a Continental Airlines pilot's failure to follow procedures caused a plane's tail section to strike the runway during a takeoff from Newark Liberty International Airport in 2005.

The report issued Thursday by the National Transportation Safety Board said strong winds also contributed.

Aircraft manufacturer Boeing was cited for failing to provide adequate data accounting for gusty crosswinds during takeoff.

The flight, which was bound for Hong Kong, returned safely to the airport. None of the 214 people on board were injured, but inspectors found substantial damage to a part of the tail section.

A Continental spokesman said the airline used the incident to update its training manuals.

LCQ1: Hygiene conditions of civilian passenger aircraft
Government Press Release
Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Following is a question by the Dr Hon Raymond Ho and a reply by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, in the Legislative Council today (February 20):

Question:

Reports of rats found on civilian passenger aircraft are heard from time to time. In addition to spreading germs and posing hygiene hazards, rats may even bite and damage the electrical wires on the aircraft, jeopardising flight safety. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether:

(a) it knows if there were cases of rats found on arriving civilian passenger aircraft in the past five years; if there were such cases, of the number; and

(b) the hygiene conditions of arriving civilian passenger aircraft are subject to regulation under the laws of Hong Kong; if so, of the regulatory measures adopted by the responsible government department(s) to ensure that the hygiene conditions of aircraft are satisfactory, to avoid passengers' health or even flight safety from being affected?

Reply:

Madam President,

Airlines are duty-bound to ensure the hygiene and flight safety of their aircraft, while the Government plays the monitoring role.

(a) Over the past five years, the Department of Health (DH) did not receive any complaint about rats found on aircraft. During the period between July 2006 and December 2007, DH conducted inspections on over 100 arriving planes and no rat was found. According to the records of the Civil Aviation Department (CAD), there has been no cases of rats being spotted nor cases of aviation safety being affected by rats in passenger aircraft arriving in Hong Kong in the past five years.

(b) In Hong Kong, hygiene matters relating to international civilian passenger aircraft are subject to regulation under the Quarantine and Prevention of Disease Ordinance (Cap.141). The Port Health Office (PHO) of the DH is responsible for the enforcement work.

The scope of work involved in safeguarding the hygiene of international civilian passenger aircraft includes monitoring the hygiene condition of water and food supplied to aircraft crew members and passengers, the environmental hygiene of the airport passenger terminal, its surroundings and aircraft, as well as conducting surveillance of disease vectors (such as mosquitoes and rodents) at the airport. PHO staff will conduct inspections at the airport and on aircraft to monitor their hygiene conditions and collect samples from water supply points, air caterers and aircraft for examination. The PHO will initiate investigations and follow-up actions after a complaint about hygiene conditions on aircraft has been received. The PHO will also maintain close cooperation with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) to monitor the environmental hygiene and disease vectors at the airport. Where necessary, it will give advice to the AA, airlines and other related parties such as restaurants, etc. on the improvement of environmental hygiene.

On flight safety, CAD requires our airlines to maintain the highest safety standard in both their flight and maintenance operations in accordance with the standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation and the laws of Hong Kong. For example, to uphold aviation safety, CAD requires rigorous inspections of aircraft by the flight and maintenance crews before each flight to ensure the normal operation of all aircraft systems. CAD conducts regular inspections to ensure compliance with the relevant requirements by the airlines.

'Unfair,' says Cebu Pacific of HK airline's flights from Clark airport
12 March 2008
BusinessWorld

Gokongwei-led Cebu Pacific is up in arms over the government's decision to allow a Hong Kong carrier to operate from the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in Clark, again calling for "reciprocity" with respect to other countries when it comes to an "open skies" policy.

In a statement yesterday, the country's leading domestic carrier questioned the rights given to Hong Kong Express, which started Clark-to- Hong Kong flights last week, noting that the foreign carrier took advantage of Executive Order 500A, which virtually opened Clark to foreign carriers.

There is no such privilege for Filipino carriers in other countries, Cebu Pacific pointed out. "It is unfortunate that a Filipino airline does not have the same privilege a foreign airline enjoys in the Philippines," Cebu Pacific Vice-President for Marketing Candice Iyog said.

"The favor has not been returned. In our case, the foreign governments turned down our application to fly from Clark, making it a nonviable fourth hub for [Cebu Pacific] at this time. We would like to see reciprocity and fairness," Ms. Iyod added.

Cebu Pacific claimed it could surpass its target of seven million domestic and international passengers this year if allowed to fly the Clark-Hong Kong route matching Hong Kong Express' service.

Last June, Cebu Pacific expressed intentions to make the DMIA its fourth hub in the country apart from Manila, Cebu and Davao. But this was derailed when its applications to fly from Clark to Asian destinations Hong Kong, Macau, Bangkok and Taipei were turned down due to lack of entitlements. Only Singapore's aviation body allowed the budget carrier to operate from Clark.

Lucio Tan-led Philippine Airlines (PAL) echoed Cebu Pacific's reservations on the government's open skies policy, saying this will affect PAL once it decides to mount flights from the former American air base.

In a telephone interview, PAL Vice-President for Corporate Communications Rolando G. Estabillo said the current setup grants more rights to foreign carriers than domestic airlines.

"The problem is the lack of reciprocity. We think it would have been better if there is reciprocity for all parties on a bilateral platform. That (unilateral open skies policy) will adversely impact us once we start operating in and out of Clark," Mr. Estabillo told BusinessWorld.

Mr. Estabillo said PAL intends to operate at the DMIA, which is being groomed to be the country's next international gateway as soon as the facilities like a passenger terminal and catering services are developed.

Officials from the Department of Transportation and Communication and from the Civil Aeronautics Board could not be reached for comment.

AirAsia service to Malaysia set for May takeoff
11 March 2008
South China Morning Post

Budget carrier AirAsia will finally make its debut in Hong Kong on May 15, with a daily service to Kuala Lumpur for as little as HK$99 one-way. The move is expected to boost competition and passenger traffic in the region.

"I believe Hong Kong, if we can get the right slots and times, will be a very big route for us," AirAsia chief executive Tony Fernandes said in Kuala Lumpur.

The daily flight will depart Kuala Lumpur at 7am and arrive in Hong Kong at 11am before turning around about 30 minutes later. The carrier hopes to add evening departures soon to cater to business travellers.

Mr Fernandes said the Hong Kong-Kuala Lumpur route could easily grow to four or five flights a day.

The budget carrier is the largest in Southeast Asia. It uses the Airbus A320, which has 180 seats.

The route is now dominated by Cathay Pacific Airways, with three daily departures, and Malaysia Airlines, which flies twice daily. A Cathay Pacific spokesman said the airline offered promotional fares on various routes to reflect seasonal cycles. The latest promotion, which ended yesterday, carried fares from HK$990 to HK$1,990. "Aviation is already a competitive industry. Our fares are entirely market-driven," the spokesman said.

Halimy Mahmood, Hong Kong area manager for Malaysia Airlines, was not available for comment.

Mr Fernandes said AirAsia had been working on flying to Hong Kong for the past four years, but had only got as close as Macau until now. Relatively higher operating costs in Hong Kong had largely resulted in Macau capturing more of the budget air travel market.

A year ago, the Airport Authority announced it would invest more than HK$1 billion to build a 10-stand satellite concourse targeting small aircraft and carriers with a quick turnaround, like budget airlines. AirAsia's turnaround is usually 25 minutes.

"What we've done in Macau has probably excited Hong Kong airport," Mr Fernandes said. "We've gone from no flights to now 12 flights a day. In four years, we are now the second-largest airline in Macau and we're not far away from Air Macau. So the potential [for] growing business in Hong Kong is very good. There's no reason a Hong Kong destination couldn't have 12, if not more flights a day from AirAsia."

Through Kuala Lumpur, AirAsia was also looking to connect Hong Kong to other destinations like Bangkok, Jakarta, Kota Kinabalu and Penang, he said.

Mirza Mohammad Taiyab, director general of the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, said with the new AirAsia route, the number of Hong Kong visitors to Malaysia could rise by more than 30 per cent in the next few years. He wanted to increase the percentage of business travellers to Malaysia from 4.6 per cent of total arrivals in 2006 to 10 per cent in five years' time.

HKIA Records Continued Growth in February

(Hong Kong, 16 March 2008) — Driven by strong demand from Hong Kong residents over the Lunar New Year, passenger throughput at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) reached 3.9 million last month, up 7.3% from February 2007.

Stanley Hui, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said, “We believe many Hong Kong people took advantage of the buoyant local economy and treated themselves to a Lunar New Year holiday. Destinations in South East Asia, Europe and North America were particularly popular this year.”

While the Lunar New Year is usually a quiet period for cargo, total throughput increased 5.1% from February 2007, to 247,000 tonnes. This was mainly attributable to growth in transshipments and imports. Air traffic movements rose 6.7%, to 23,760.

Combining January and February’s numbers, passenger throughput reached 7.9 million, up 10.3% from the same period last year, mainly because of robust visitor growth. Cargo throughput grew to 542,000 tonnes, an increase of 7.2%. Air traffic movements reached 48,560, up 6.0%.

"It was a good start to the year. The months ahead may be more challenging, especially if the US economy continues to slow down," added Mr Hui.

For the 12 months ended 29 February 2008, HKIA handled 48.5 million passengers and 3.8 million tonnes of cargo, year-on-year increases of 8.3% and 5.2%, respectively. Air traffic movements rose 5.6%, to 298,205.

Press Release

Airport Authority Awards New Cargo Terminal Franchise to
Cathay Pacific Services Limited

(Hong Kong, 18 March 2008) — The Board of Airport Authority Hong Kong today awarded a non-exclusive, 20-year franchise to design, construct and operate a new cargo terminal at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) to Cathay Pacific Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cathay Pacific Airways Limited. The new terminal and recently completed enhancements to the cargo apron, taxiways and aircraft stands will equip HKIA to meet future demand for cargo services and to maintain its position as the region’s premier air cargo hub.

Airport Authority Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hui said, “The new cargo terminal will reinforce the competitiveness of HKIA as a regional and international air cargo hub. It will provide additional choices for airlines, shippers and freight forwarders. And it will bring substantial economic benefits, in the form of new jobs and business opportunities, to Hong Kong.”

Scheduled to open in the second half of 2011, the new terminal will have an annual capacity of about 2.6 million tonnes and increase the airport’s total general and express cargo handling capacity to 7.4 million tonnes per annum. The new facility will be located on a 10-hectare site in the cargo terminal area.

According to Cathay Pacific Services, construction of the new terminal will create over 400 jobs. When it starts operation, the facility will employ more than 1,700 people.

“The new operator will bring additional competition to Hong Kong’s air cargo industry and build on the reputation for quality and efficiency that HKIA and its existing general cargo operators have achieved,” noted Mr Hui. The number of general and express cargo operators at HKIA will increase from three to four.

The decision to build a new cargo terminal was made after the Airport Authority held extensive consultations with Hong Kong’s air cargo and logistics industry. In December 2006, the Airport Authority called for pre-qualification proposals, which was followed by invitation for submission of business plans. The Airport Authority assessed the business plans and decided to award the franchise to Cathay Pacific Services as a result of an open and competitive tender process. The Airport Authority also invited the Independent Commission Against Corruption as an independent advisor to oversee the process.

Driven by the rapid expansion of the Mainland Chinese economy and robust global trade, cargo throughput at HKIA rose 4.5% in 2007, to 3.74 million tonnes. The air cargo industry handled over HK$1.9 trillion worth of goods in 2007, representing 35% of Hong Kong’s total external trade. HKIA is the world’s busiest international cargo airport for the 11th consecutive year.

Press Release

RAGONAIR RESCHEDULES LAUNCH OF SERVICE TO BENGALURU (BANGALORE)
20 March 2008


Dragonair today announced it will reschedule the launch of its new service to Bengaluru (Bangalore), India, with the first flight now operating on May 24 instead of the original launch date of May 1. The rescheduling is the result of an Indian Civil Aviation Ministry decision to postpone the opening of the new Bengaluru International Airport until May 10/11.

Alternative arrangements are now being made for customers who made bookings on Dragonair's flights to and from Bengaluru (Bangalore) before May 24, helping to ensure they get to their destination with the minimum of inconvenience.

The Bengaluru (Bangalore) launch marks the first time for Dragonair to operate flights to India. The service - a daily flight operated by an A330-300 aircraft - will open up new opportunities for people travelling between Hong Kong and the thriving southern region of India, helping to boost Hong Kong’s position as a leading international aviation hub.

Press Release

Daily non-stop to Mumbai!

Starting April 14, 2008* fly from Hong Kong to Mumbai daily non-stop in the luxury of our Première and Economy.

Première – Our exclusive business class with the comforts of First Class.
Our exclusive Première helps you leave the crowd behind. We provide you more space and service that is truly personalised. Sleep in the peace and calm of our Première, on the first ever 180° lie-flat bed on this route.

Spacious new Economy.
Lean back in our spacious new Economy. The seats in our Economy class are designed to make your journey more comfortable. They are specially contoured to provide you with more space and adequate room to stretch your legs comfortably.

Award-winning in-flight entertainment.
On board, tune into our in-flight entertainment programme. Unwind with on-demand movies, music and games. We offer you a wide selection of movies, music videos, games, short programmes and audio channels. We also have a variety of newspapers and magazines from around the world to help you catch up with the latest in business and current affairs.

With the introduction of these new flights, you can now fly daily, non-stop between Hong Kong and Mumbai

Flight No. From To Departure Time Arrival Time Frequency
9W 041 Hong Kong Mumbai 1905 2310 Daily
9W 042 Mumbai Hong Kong 0100 0915 Daily
The above are local timings and are subject to change.

So the next time you fly to Mumbai for business; do check out our attractive holiday packages as well. For bookings, call your nearest Jet Airways office or your travel agent.

Press Release

Cebu Pacific adds fourth daily service to Hong Kong
More Flights to HK than any other Filipino airline


Cebu Pacific (CEB) will mount a fourth daily service on Manila-Hong Kong starting June 30, 2008 in response to the growing demand for flights to serve this route.

With this additional frequency, CEB will offer the earliest departure from Manila to Hong Kong; as well as the first departure from Hong Kong to Manila than any Filipino airline.

The flight departs at 5:15 am and arrives in Hong Kong at 7:15am every Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. Consequently, the return flight leaves Hong Kong at 7:55am and arrives in Manila at 9:55am.

Meanwhile flights on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday depart for Hong Kong at 5:40am and lands at 7:40am. The return flight to Manila takes off at 8:25am and arrives at 10:25am.

Candice Iyog, CEB VP for marketing and product, said, “With our very encouraging passenger loads, we are very happy to provide our guests with this additional service that will make travel to Hong Kong even more convenient. The additional frequency will also allow travelers to visit Hong Kong early in the morning and return to Manila on the same day.”

One-way fare to Hong Kong starts from P1,499 one way, exclusive of taxes and surcharges.

With the additional flights, CEB will offer the most direct flights to Hong Kong than any other Filipino airline, operating 76 direct flights weekly from Manila, Cebu, and Davao.

The airline will operate 56 flights weekly to Hong Kong from Manila and twelve flights weekly from Cebu. It also announced that it will fly direct to Hong Kong from Davao eight-times weekly beginning May 8, 2008.

The additional frequency will translate to a 30% increase in capacity for CEB’s Manila- Hong Kong service.

Iyog said the best way to get CEB’s lowest ‘Go’ fares to any destination is through its website, cebupacificair.com.

Now in its 13th year, CEB continues to have the youngest fleet in the Philippines. CEB flies to 12, soon to be 15 international destinations, with the addition of Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, and Kaohsiung. CEB also operates flights to 21 domestic destinations.

Press Release

RAGONAIR TO ADD FREQUENCY TO DHAKA FROM JULY
1 April 2008


Dragonair will increase the number of flights to Dhaka, Bangladesh, from four times a week to five from July 7, to cope with the increasing market demand.

“Dhaka has always been an important market for both passenger and cargo services, and we are seeing month-by-month growth in the market. By adding one more flight every week, both business and leisure travellers will benefit from the increased frequency,” said CEO Kenny Tang.

“The demand from business travellers in Dhaka for services to Hong Kong and beyond has always been high. We have also seen an increasing demand from the growing population of expatriates from Asia and the Mainland in Dhaka,” said Mr Tang. “The extra frequency will also help meet the huge demand for cargo services in the Dhaka market, which has been increasing, and we anticipate the strong growth to continue.”

Dragonair’s new schedule to Dhaka, which is subject to government approval, will be as follows:

Route Flight Departs Arrives Days
Hong Kong/Dhaka KA110 22:30 00:25+1 Mon/Wed/Thu/Sat/Sun
Dhaka/Hong Kong KA111 01:25 07:25 Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun/Mon

Gov't Press Release:
License Granted for Air Hong Kong about to and from Hong Kong to Southeast and South Asian Cities (http://www.gld.gov.hk/cgi-bin/gld/egazette/gazettefiles.cgi?lang=e&year=2008&month=4&day=3&vol=12&no=14&gn=2131&header=1&part=0&df=1&nt=gn&newfile=1&acurrentpage=12&agree=1&gaz_type=mg)

Dragonair on FIRE

rk18R-BZezQ

Press Release

HONG KONG EXPRESS AIRWAYS LAUNCHES OKINAWA ROUTE

Twice Weekly Direct Scheduled Services ‧ First Step into the Japanese Market

Hong Kong , 3rd April 2007… Hong Kong Express Airways has today launched its newest scheduled service to Okinawa, Japan. The first of five routes that the Airline will launch between Hong Kong and Japan in April and May, flights to Okinawa will initially operate twice weekly increasing to four flights per week from April 28th.



Following January’s lifting of capacity restrictions on flights to Japan, Hong Kong Express Airways is the first Hong Kong based airline to launch more direct flights to a number of cities in Japan. “We have been operating chartered flights between Hong Kong and Japan for a long time. We are very pleased that we are now able to operate on a scheduled basis. The launch of the Okinawa scheduled flight is only the first step in penetrating the Japanese market. We are committed to developing this market in the long run, bringing even more direct services and convenience to passengers travelling between Hong Kong and Japan. ” said Mr. Ronnie Choi, President of Hong Kong Express Airways.



Further planned route launches set to take place over the coming weeks will see Hong Kong Express Airways ultimately offer direct flights between Hong Kong and Hiroshima, Kagoshima, Nagoya and Okayama. The airline has also already established its first office in the country in Okinawa.



Located in the Ryukyu Islands, Okinawa – also referred to as the ‘ Hawaii of the East’ - is a popular holiday and leisure destination renowned for its tropical beaches, crystal blue seas and coral reef, and rich cultural heritage.

Hong Kong to Okinawa: Thursday and Sunday

Day of Service Flight Number Depart Hong Kong Arrive Okinawa

Thursday and Sunday UO602 12:25 16:00

Okinawa to Hong Kong: Thursday and Sunday

Day of Service Flight Number Depart Okinawa Arrive Hong Kong

Thursday and Sunday UO603 17:00 18:25

From April 28th, two more flights will be included in the schedule:

Hong Kong to Okinawa: Monday and Friday

Day of Service Flight Number Depart Hong Kong Arrive Okinawa

Monday UO602 16:45 20:10

Friday UO602 17:10 20:35

Okinawa to Hong Kong: Monday and Friday

Day of Service Flight Number Depart Okinawa Arrive Hong Kong

Monday and Friday UO603 21:35 23:00

some bad rumours coming out of HKG today...apparently, Oasis Airlines is shutting down, effective today....

Oasis shutting down? if it is true, it is sad for hk aviation.

What?! :cry: Seriously?! :(

Why would they shut-down?! It seemed like they were doing great with their Hong Kong-London route.

Can someone confirm this. Thanks.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601080&sid=aG2sb.BMrogY&refer=asia

http://www.rthk.org.hk/rthk/news/englishnews/news.htm?englishnews&20080409&56&481210

News conference in half-an-hour...we'll see soon...I guess.

some bad rumours coming out of HKG today...apparently, Oasis Airlines is shutting down, effective today....

Rumour from a newspaper report.

Maybe I should book my ticket to London now before prices move.

RTHK News:
Oasis Airlines goes into liquidation (http://www.rthk.org.hk/rthk/news/englishnews/20080409/news_20080409_56_481233.htm)

-- No flights from Oasis in a period of time. :ohno:

Gov't Press Release:
LCQ3: Private aircraft movements at the Hong Kong International Airport (http://info.gov.hk/gia/general/200804/09/P200804090151.htm)

甘泉航空宣布臨時清盤


(明報) 04月 09日 星期三 02:35PM

廉航甘泉航空 申請了臨時清盤，並委任畢馬威會計師行進行清盤，尋找新的投資者。甘泉所有航班停飛。



甘泉舉行記者會交代申請臨時清盤事宜。首席行政總裁苗禮士表示，甘泉已委任畢馬威會計師行進行臨時清盤，接管了該航空公司，正尋找到新的買家，他有信心可找到新買家。苗禮士感謝員工及顧客在過去16個月來的支持。

畢馬威會計師行代表杜艾迪表示，他尚未看到甘泉航空的收支情況，而據苗禮士稱，他們兩條往溫哥華及倫敦 的航線，有近99%的負載量，而甘泉約有近700名員工。

至於已購買機票的乘客，可否取回款項，杜艾迪稱，這很難說，因為如甘泉正式清盤，公司將要對所月債權人負責，包括僱員、銀行及乘客。他表示，在召開記者會前，已要求公司關閉所有訂票服務，以免乘客購買機票。

甘泉航空於2006年10月首航，當時因飛行路線問題，航程受到延誤，未能準時出發。有報道指出，甘泉由於低估經營開支，令公司已虧損逾10億。
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c380/bowenchau/oasis_arrival.jpg
http://www.hkadb.com/forum/files/untitled_349.jpg
http://www.hkadb.com/forum/files/untitled_208.jpg

Yeah, it is true about Oasis airlines. My friends father is a pilot for them and he's stuck in Africa with his plane and crew as they were negotiating new routes there. Apparently they had an investor that was funding them and he's decided to pull out leaving them pretty much screwed financially!

甘泉清盤政府啟動緊急機制


(16:26)
2008年4月9日







運輸及房屋局局長鄭汝樺表示，已啟動緊急應變機制，派人到倫敦及溫哥華，協助因甘泉航空清盤受影響港人。

鄭汝樺表示，對於甘泉航空清盤，感到非常遺憾，曾要求甘泉為旅客作出負責任的安排，但甘泉的清盤人表示，有實際困難，故政府決定介入，他們已聯絡航空公司，為受影響旅客提供機位及優惠的機票，而國泰航空的回應很正面，他們稍後會公布詳情。

鄭汝樺稱，現時本港至溫哥華應有足夠機位，但由本港往倫敦，因正處旺季，可能機位不足，希望可首先幫助返校學生。政府已啟動緊急應變機制，派人到倫敦及溫哥華，協助因甘泉航空清盤受影響港人。而受影響的乘客可向甘泉追討損失。

鄭汝樺表示，甘泉一直與策略投資者商討，直至昨日知會政府未能達協議，而甘泉亦停止出售機票，信用卡將不會過數。

她強調，如涉及有欺騙行為，他們一定會跟進。被問及事件會否影響本港的航空形象，鄭汝樺稱，本港一直開放航空市場，由於市場競爭劇烈，所以有航空公司經營困難。至於旅遊業議會的保障基金是否要包括機票，她表示，以往討論時沒有需要，因涉及成本問題，如經過今次事件後，市民認為有需要的話，大家可以討論。

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c380/bowenchau/oasis_arrival.jpg
http://www.hkadb.com/forum/files/untitled_349.jpg
http://www.hkadb.com/forum/files/untitled_208.jpg

That's terrible news! I loved Oasis! I booked three sets of return flights from London to HK with them. I hope they find some rescuer. It will be a great loss if they stop flying altogether.

Liquidation.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7338424.stm

HK Gov't Press Release:
Amendments to update air navigation law to be gazetted (http://info.gov.hk/gia/general/200804/16/P200804160151.htm)

Press Release

HKIA Records Strong Growth in March

(HONG KONG, 20 April 2008) – Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) reported a 10.8% increase in passenger traffic, to 4.2 million, and a 10.1% rise in cargo throughput, to 334,000 tonnes, in March 2008. Air traffic movements reached 25,745, 6.8% higher than March 2007.

On 21 March, the first day of the Easter holidays, HKIA handled a record 945 aircraft movements.

Stanley Hui, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said, “Easter is traditionally one of our busiest periods. This year was no exception, as holiday departures by Hong Kong residents drove growth in passenger traffic. Meanwhile, exports to Europe and North America spurred cargo growth.”

During the first three months of 2008, HKIA handled 12.1 million passengers, an increase of 10.5% from the same period a year earlier. Cargo traffic increased 8.3%, to 876,000 tonnes, and air traffic movements grew 6.3%, to 74,305.

Mr Hui added, “We are encouraged by the robust growth in air traffic during the first quarter. Nevertheless, our outlook for the months ahead remains cautiously optimistic in view of the prospect of a slowdown in the US economy.”

For the 12 months ended 31 March 2008, HKIA served 48.9 million passengers, handled 3.8 million tonnes of cargo and saw 299,725 air traffic movements. These figures represented year-on-year increases of 8.5%, 6.5% and 5.9%, respectively.

Gov't Press Release:
Record aircraft movements ease stranded air traffic (http://info.gov.hk/gia/general/200804/21/P200804210185.htm)

機場首季客運量 達1210萬人次




(星島) 04月 21日 星期一 05:30AM
(綜合報道)




(星島日報 報道)香港國際機場 在上月的復活節假期首日以九百四十五班航機升降量，再創新高，不但打破去年復活節時創下的八百九十一班的紀錄，更突破九百班次關口。而今年首季，機場的客運量更達到一千二百多萬人次，比去年同期飆升超過一成。

　　復活節一向是港人外出旅遊的旺季，上月二十一日更是今年復活節一連四日長假期的首日，機場管理局昨表示，當日一共錄得九百四十五架次的航班升降量，為機場的單日航班升降量刷新紀錄。

　　貨運量亦增8.3%

　　另外，今年首三個月機場客、貨運量都有穩健增長。客運量高達一千二百一十萬旅客人次，較去年同期增加百分之十點五；貨運量升幅亦有百分之八點三，達到八十七萬六千公噸；航空交通量升幅則為百分之六點三，共有七萬四千三百零五架次。

　　機管局 行政總裁許漢忠 解釋，由於假日期間，大量香港居民離境外遊，使客運量上升；歐洲與北美入口需求亦帶動香港貨運增長。而對於機場在今年第一季的航空交通量有強勁增長，他坦言「感到鼓舞」，面對美國 經濟可能放緩，當局會對前景維持審慎樂觀。

HACTL Press Release Details
Hactl welcomes Jet Airways to Hong Kong

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p281/staryuan/VT-JMH01.jpg
By staryuan from HKADB

(14 April 2008, Hong Kong) Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) is pleased to welcome Jet Airways as its new customer. The carrier launched its inaugural flight to Hong Kong today, starting its daily passenger service between Mumbai and Hong Kong.

Hactl has been appointed by Jet Airways to be its air cargo terminal operator at Hong Kong International Airport, providing physical cargo handling and air cargo documentation handling for its belly-hold cargo.

Ms. Lilian Chan, General Manager, Marketing and Customer Service of Hactl said, "We are very pleased to extend our warmest welcome to Jet Airways as our new customer. The Indian market is one with huge potential for both passenger and cargo business, and we congratulate the carrier on its inaugural service launch to Hong Kong. Hactl has the recognised market expertise and dedication to support our customers, and we are confident that Hactl will continue to provide high level of efficient, reliable, and customised cargo handling solutions, enabling Jet Airways to meet future challenges in the air cargo market.”

Mr. Koh Kay Yew, Regional Manager, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan & Korea of, Jet Airways said, “We are very happy to partner with Hactl in our new services to Hong Kong. Hactl is chosen as our business partner as it is renowned for its quality service standard and customer service. At this time when operations in the aviation world have become more and more competitive, it is important that we choose the right partner that can support our upcoming growth and share the same vision with us. I can see Hactl and Jet Airways working seamlessly in growing our long-term and successful business partnership, and look forward to further increasing our flight frequency to Hong Kong very soon.”

Gov't Press Release:
LCQ3:Increasing flight movements (http://info.gov.hk/gia/general/200804/30/P200804300208.htm)

I really like the Jet Airways livery on that pic.

I really like the Jet Airways livery on that pic.

Hi,

Some what off topic, but who is Boris, and who or what is EH?

Hi,

Some what off topic, but who is Boris, and who or what is EH?

boris as in boris johnson from the torries, no idea about EH.

Plan for more direct flights from HK
2 May 2008
New Straits Times

GEORGE TOWN: Talks are on-going to increase the frequency of direct flights between Penang and Hong Kong, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said.

Lim said currently, there were only three Penang-Hong Kong direct flights offered by Cathay Pacific Airways weekly.

He said the number was insufficient to meet the influx of trade and business partners from Hong Kong.

"We are in an advanced stage of negotiation with the airline on the matter.

"With more direct flights, we hope to forge closer bilateral ties with the city," he told a press conference after a courtesy call on him by Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office director Lam Kam Kwang here yesterday.

Lim said there were also plans to have new direct flight between Penang and other international destinations including the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

He said UAE and other Middle East countries offer business opportunities for Penang.

"Increased direct air links will further boost the state economic, trade and tourism industries," he added.

Earlier, Lim said it was imperative for the Penang water authority to emulate its Hong Kong counterpart in improving water quality in the state.

The water supply quality has deteriorated as a result of global environmental pollution.

He said the Hong Kong water works authority had agreed in principle to assist the state government in the matter.

HAECO mulls JV to repair aircrafts
7 May 2008
China Daily - Hong Kong Edition

The Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company (HAECO) is in talks with companies in South Asia and West China to form a joint venture (JV) to develop an aircraft maintenance business, HAECO Chief Executive Officer Chan Ping-kit said after the firm's annual meeting yesterday.

And since the company will be using most of its money on new projects such as acquiring new facilities, no special payout dividends will be given, Chairman Christopher Pratt said. It's a sharp contrast to the HK$2.50 special payout given for 2006.

The interim and final dividend per share is HK$3.08.

HAECO is controlled by Swire, an aircraft maintenance company.

Pratt declined to comment on the profit contributions of previous mergers and acquisitions.

In response to the surging oil prices, Pratt said that there are pressures for airlines to reduce costs, but HAECO will provide valuable packages to them, especially in China.

The oil price set a record of $121 a barrel on Tuesday, putting cost pressure on airlines. This may also slow down the growth of the industry and affect HAECO's business.

Meanwhile, the renminbi appreciation will become another concern to the company, as a great portion of its turnover is in US dollar terms.

Pratt said that this will put some pressure on the company's profits margin, but it should be able to protect the margin given the company's strong market position and position in Hong Kong.

The company has signed contracts to convert Boeing 737 passenger flights into cargo flights. Chan said the company has already transformed 12 aircrafts, and three additional aircrafts are in the works and expected within the next three years.

HAECO's 2007 turnover increased 20 percent to HK$4.62 billion, and its net profits increased HK$1.07 billion.

Its major customers include Cathay Pacific Airways, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airlines.

Hong Kong Airlines Press Release on April 28 2008:
Hong Kong Express Airways Introduces New Japan Routes (http://hongkongairlines.com/web/eng/AboutUs/press_2008Apr28_e.php)

Eight injured as turbulence rocks airliner
10 May 2008
South China Morning Post

Five passengers and three flight attendants on a China Eastern Airlines flight were injured after the plane was hit by turbulence before landing at Hong Kong yesterday.

A passenger said the plane had fallen a long way and some passengers had suffered minor injures.

The Hong Kong Airport Authority said it was alerted by the plane's captain at 4.24pm that the Airbus A333 had encountered turbulence and there were several injured people on board.

Flight MU507 had taken off from Shanghai's Pudong airport at about 2pm and was scheduled to land at Hong Kong at 4.35pm.

Firemen and police were on standby when the plane landed safely at 4.37pm. Three flight attendants and a male passenger were taken to Princess Margaret Hospital for treatment, while the four other injured passengers were treated at the airport clinic.

The flight attendants, all women aged between 22 and 24, were discharged after treatment. A 71-year-old man was treated and discharged late last night.

The Civil Aviation Department said the plane was hit by a strong airstream outside Hong Kong.

A passenger, surnamed Hui, said a friend with an unfastened seat belt had hit the cabin's ceiling when the plane plunged suddenly. Mr Hui said there had been no warning broadcast before the plane hit the turbulence, so many passengers and crew members were not prepared and their seat belts were not fastened.

A woman said a colleague had also hit the ceiling and the plane "fell suddenly for more than 10 seconds. I was so scared. There were exclamations everywhere in the cabin".

Another passenger said the plane felt like a roller coaster.

^^^^
Cathay Pacific To Offer Fourth Direct Flight To Hong Kong Next Month

KUALA LUMPUR, May 12 (Bernama) -- Cathay Pacific Airways will launch its fourth direct flight to Hong Kong through the airline's Penang hub next month.

In a statement today, the airline said the new additional A330 non-stop flight will start service from June 5, increasing its flight frequency to four times direct weekly and complementing the three times weekly services to Hong Kong via Kuala Lumpur.Effective from June 6, the daily flights, namely Hong Kong-San Francisco, Hong Kong-Shanghai and Hong Kong-Beijing, are the additional destinations with convenient connecting flights from Penang via Hong Kong, it said.

There will be no change with Cathay Pacific's existing service on other days of the week.

The additional direct CX693 Hong Kong to Penang service, which operates every Thursday, is scheduled at a departure time of 1600 hours, enabling more connections from the Cathay Pacific and Dragonair, the airline said.

It added that the initiative served to further enhance its service to passengers. Cathay Pacific also said that it will continue to actively promote Malaysia across its network this year with the government's decision to extend "Visit Malaysia Year" from 2007 to 2008.

Ten Hong Kong flights disrupted by huge China quake

HONG KONG, May 12, 2008 (AFP) - Ten flights in and out of Hong Kong were disrupted Monday because of a huge earthquake in southwest China, with some passengers stranded on a runway for more than six hours, officials said.

A total of 174 passengers on a Dragonair flight to Hong Kong were stuck on the plane on the runway at Chengdu airport, close to the epicentre of the 7.8-magnitude quake, an airline spokeswoman told AFP.

"The earthquake hit shortly before the plane was set to take off. We thought the delay would be a short one," she told AFP.

"Now it is totally out of our control. We cannot let them get off the plane as there will be no staff to take care of them in the airport."

The KA 821 flight was due to take off around 1:55pm (0555 GMT) and was still on the runway at 8:15pm, the spokeswoman added.

Three later departures from Hong Kong to Chengdu were cancelled, while one flight from Chengdu to Hong Kong was also scrapped, a Hong Kong Airport Authority spokeswoman told AFP.

"Ten flights were either delayed or cancelled because of the earthquake," the spokeswoman told AFP, confirming six were delayed and four cancelled.

The delays included a flight from Paris to Hong Kong that was diverted to the Chinese capital after the air traffic control tower in Chengdu was closed due to the quake, Godwin Mak, the communications manager for Air France here, told AFP.

The AF 188 flight had been due to land in Hong Kong at 5:05pm (0905 GMT), before it was diverted as it passed through China's airspace.

The plane later took off from Beijing and was expected to land in Hong Kong at around 9:30pm, Mak added.

Long-haul flights between Hong Kong and London were also disrupted by the quake, the Airport Authority spokeswoman added.

State media estimated between 3,000 and 5,000 killed in one county alone by the powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake, which struck Monday close to densely populated areas of southwest China around 2:30pm.

The quake struck 93 kilometres (58 miles) from Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province and a city of more than 12 million people, and about 260 kilometres from Chongqing and its 30 million.

China Airlines expects 20pc cut in HK flights
19 May 2008
South China Morning Post

Taiwan carrier China Airlines says it will cut scheduled Hong Kong-Taiwan passenger flights by about 20 per cent due to increases planned in mainland services once direct weekend charter flights between Taiwan and the mainland begin on July 4.

"It is pretty obvious that people would prefer to travel directly from Taiwan to the mainland in 90 minutes instead of spending half a day transiting in Hong Kong," said Michael Wu, general manager of the airline's Hong Kong branch.

Mr Wu said in an interview last week that some Airbus 330-300 aircraft would be redeployed to provide direct cross-strait services once weekend charter flights began in July.

As a result two to three daily flights from Hong Kong would be cut, he said.

Relaxing cross-strait travel is one of the policies driven by Taiwan president-elect Ma Ying-jeou who will be inaugurated as president tomorrow.

Mr Ma has suggested that airports in Taoyuan near Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung be opened to four destinations on the mainland - Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Xiamen - with effect from July 4.

Meanwhile the Hong Kong office of China Airlines, which accounts for 10 per cent of total group sales, expects an increase in revenues of between 5 and 10 per cent this year to about HK$4 billion, according to Mr Wu.

Revenue earned by the cargo division of the Hong Kong office was up 30 per cent in March and last month, he said, while passenger sales increased by 5 per cent.

To alleviate a negative impact on Hong Kong office passenger revenues from the rescheduling of flights once direct links with the mainland are established, Mr Wu said the office would co-operate with travel agencies to promote more chartered flight tours from Hong Kong via Taiwan to attractions in Asia such as Hokkaido and New Delhi, and to long-haul destinations such as Frankfurt and Seattle.

"But the impact of the changes on us will be far less than that on Cathay Pacific and Dragonair," Mr Wu said.

Cathay Pacific Airways and Dragonair fly 18 daily flights to Taipei and five daily flights to Kaohsiung.

Cathay chief executive Tony Tyler said in a newsletter last Friday that the airline would reduce and eliminate flights on routes that were draining cash because of soaring fuel costs. But he did not specify the affected routes.

Overall, China Airlines would benefit from the opening of direct links, Mr Wu said. "Passengers presently bypassing Hong Kong will now fly with other flights on offer from China Airlines," he said.

The initial impact on the Hong Kong office of China Airlines would also depend on the frequency as well as capacity of the weekend charter flights, he said.

On a monthly basis, there are 3,000 flights operated by five airlines between Hong Kong and Taiwan, providing almost 1 million seats. China Airlines provides more than 270,000 seats per month with 80 per cent load factor, or percentage seats sold, on average.

China Airlines, the fifth-largest international cargo carrier, operates 18 weekly freighter flights between Hong Kong and Taiwan using Boeing 747-400Fs, a freighter that can carry 100 tonnes of cargo per flight. China Airlines is the largest operator of B747-400Fs in the world with 20 aircraft.

"I think in Hong Kong we will continue to enjoy serving a niche air cargo market due to our efficiency in customs-control and comprehensive financial system," Mr Wu said.

HKIA Press Release:
Cargo Volume at HKIA Rises 7.3% in April (http://hongkongairport.com/eng/pr/pr_927.html)

Gov't Press Release:
Appointments to Airport Authority announced (http://info.gov.hk/gia/general/200805/22/P200805220118.htm)

Airlines cleared to increase jet fuel surcharges
Government permits Cathay and 12 other carriers to impose a 37pc rise
27 May 2008
South China Morning Post

Cathay Pacific Airways and other carriers have been cleared by the government to impose a 37 per cent increase in fuel surcharges - the biggest such rise in Hong Kong - on passengers from next week to help offset the escalating cost of jet fuel.

The higher surcharge means passengers flying within Asia will have to pay HK$171 each way, up from the current HK$125. Long-haul routes, such as to North and South America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, will now cost HK$710 in fuel surcharges instead of HK$518.

The increase is likely to face little protest or resistance, especially from business travellers, who do not have to foot the bill.

Leisure travel is also not expected to be affected much, Paul Leung Yiu-lam, president of the Hong Kong Inbound Travel Association, said.

"The travel trade has little, if no, bargaining power at all," he said.

The Civil Aviation Department approved applications for higher fuel surcharges from a total of 13 carriers. Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines will impose the maximum 37 per cent rise. Nepal Airlines and Saudi Arabian Airlines opted to maintain their surcharges at HK$240 and HK$118 per leg, respectively.

All Nippon Airways is keeping its supplements on flights through Hong Kong unchanged at HK$123 next month and plans to add HK$2 in July. Pakistan International Airlines will place a HK$143 surcharge on its Bangkok route and a HK$160 levy on other flights, both up HK$40.

The department said the average surcharge is HK$413 on short-haul routes and HK$1,040 on long-haul flights.

The changes are effective from June 1 to July 31 and will be reviewed thereafter, the government said.

"The purpose of the passenger fuel surcharges is to help airlines tide over the short-term fluctuations in fuel costs," an aviation department spokesman said.

"It is estimated that most airlines recover about 40 per cent to 70 per cent of their additional fuel costs through the fuel surcharges.

"They have to do their own cost management to absorb the rest of the increased costs."

The latest adjustment reflects the 50-per cent increase in the price of jet fuel so far this year, rising from US$106 per barrel to US$159 per barrel.

According to data from the International Air Transport Association, which represents the airline industry, the global average price of jet fuel had already reached US$163.90 per barrel on May 16.

"Jet fuel prices have reached an unprecedented level and the situation is likely to get worse before it gets better," Cathay Pacific chief executive Tony Tyler said.

Regretting the need to increase the surcharge, Mr Tyler blamed the soaring cost of jet fuel on "additional refinery costs, limited refinery capacity and persistent demand".

He said the airline, which boasted net profit of HK$7 billion last year, up 71.8 per cent from 2006, is estimated to recover less than half of the increased cost of fuel as a result of the higher surcharge.

James Tien Pei-chun, chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, said it was difficult for Hong Kong to escape the rising fuel costs but that hedging strategies currently used by airlines would mean the higher fuel costs would not be reflected until the end of the year.

A spokesman for the Consumer Council warned against adding to inflationary pressure and said the government should be quick to adjust the surcharge when fuel prices fall.

Plan for new flights to connect HK
29 May 2008
South China Morning Post

Jet Airways is planning to launch more direct flights between India and Hong Kong. The route is currently served by the new Airbus A330-200 which can carry 220 passengers in its premier and economy class.

Jet Airways' executives say the airline is the only one of its type to offer its premier passengers a unique herringbone seat configuration. This makes every premier seat on the Mumbai-Hong Kong route an aisle seat and capable of being converted into flat beds. Equally, economy passengers enjoy ergonomically designed and spacious seats.

To support these initiatives, the airline opened an office in Hong Kong in March, offering ticketing, reservation and cargo freight services.

Established in May 1993, Jet Airways operates one of the youngest fleets in the world. Its 81 planes cover more than 380 flights a day to 59 destinations worldwide, including major cities such as New York, Toronto, London and Brussels, and now Hong Kong.

During the flight inauguration ceremony, Jet Airways founder and chairman Naresh Goyal, said: "In the past decade or so, we have worked hard to grow our business, and Jet Airways is today one of the fastest-growing airlines in the world.

"Building on this proud accomplishment, we believe it is the time for us to extend our reach in the region with booming economies and rising demand for air flight service.

"The new Mumbai and Hong Kong route, and the many others to follow, will strengthen our leading position in the industry and provide a convenient option to business travellers and visitors between Hong Kong and India."

There are more than 40,000 Indian residents and 1,500 Indian firms in Hong Kong. India is Hong Kong's 12th-largest trade partner. Last year, Hong Kong received more than 310,000 Indian visitors, 8 per cent more than in 2006.

"As the gateway to South China, Hong Kong is a very important destination for Jet Airways given the large volume of business and leisure travel. We believe that there is great potential in the India-Hong Kong sector for an airline such as ours," Mr Goyal said.

Airlines raise fuel surcharges
Hong Kong Standard
Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Passengers on 11 airlines will have to pay 37 percent more in fuel surcharges because of rocketing oil prices.
The Civil Aviation Department has also allowed two other carriers to maintain their current surcharges at the existing levels.

A CAD spokesman said passengers who pay for their tickets before this Sunday will not be affected by the increases even if they are traveling after then.

Cathay Pacific Airways and Singapore Airlines which currently levy fuel surcharges ranging from HK$125 to HK$518 will from June 1 charge HK$171 to HK$710.

Air China, China Eastern Airlines and Shanghai Airlines will raise their charges from HK$125 to HK$171 for short-haul journeys. Air Canada, Air Mauritius and Turkish Airlines will raise their surcharges from HK$518 to HK$710 while Aeroflot will increase its levy from HK$508 to HK$620.

Pakistan International Airlines will charge HK$143 and HK$160 against HK$103 and HK$120 now, but All Nippon Airways will keep its surcharge at the existing level of HK$123 next month before increasing this to HK$125 in July.

Saudi Arabian Airlines and Nepal Airlines will not increase their charges.

The airlines will have to apply again if they wish to readjust their fuel surcharges.

Cathay said the latest increase will cover less than half the increased cost of fuel.

A spokesman said jet fuel prices now account for 40 percent of Cathay's net operating costs, compared with 30 percent last year.

Despite the fuel surcharges being at a historical high, a government source described it as fair since fuel costs are also at an historical high.

A CAD spokesman said aviation fuel prices have increased by about 50 percent since the beginning of the year.

The government source denied fuel price increases are being passed on to customers.

"It is estimated most airlines will be able to recover only about 40 percent to 70 percent of their additional fuel costs through the fuel surcharges," the source said.

Aviation fuel now costs US$159 (HK$1,240) a barrel compared with US$106 a barrel at the beginning of the year.

The source said the CAD had used 31 short-haul and 34 long-haul routes as reference and that their average current surcharges of HK$413 to HK$1,040 were higher than the latest adjustment levels in Hong Kong.

The CAD spokesman said the charges would be adjusted downward should aviation fuel prices decrease.

Travel Industry Council executive director Joseph Tung Yiu-chung said he did not think an extra few hundred dollars in costs would deter people from traveling.

India's Jet defers start of flights to Hong Kong

MUMBAI, June 9 (Reuters) - India's top private carrier, Jet Airways , has delayed the start of its New Delhi-Hong Kong flights by a few months, a senior official said, signalling deepening gloom in an industry buffetted by high oil prices.

There are no plans "at the moment" to rationalise other routes, Executive Director Saroj Datta said on Monday.

"We are deferring New Delhi-Hong Kong flights to the winter, taking into account the requirements of the market, and redeploying the capacity," he said.

The flights had been scheduled to start in June.

State-run rival Air India [AI.UL], is examining its schedule but has not made a decision yet, a spokesman said.

"We are taking a long, hard look at our schedule because of the extremely difficult conditions... with the unprecedented and unabated rise in fuel prices, which are affecting the economic viability of flights in certain sectors," he said.

Indian jet fuel prices have risen nearly 90 percent since last June, which may cause Indian airlines to double their losses in 2008/09 from 40 billion rupees ($932 million) a year ago, the civil aviation secretary said last week.

Jet fuel prices, which make up nearly 45 percent of an Indian carrier's operating cost, are about three-quarters higher than international benchmarks on account of local taxes.

Airlines have said they may look at rationalising routes and cutting capacity, and discount carrier SpiceJet last week said it would consider temporarily suspending some flights.

Jet, Kingfisher, budget carrier Deccan Aviation and Air India raised their fuel surcharge last week, but the airlines would also need to rethink their strategy, said Kapil Kaul, chief executive for India at the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation.

"High fuel prices are here to stay, so it's important that airlines take another look at schedules and staffing, instead of waiting for the market to turnaround."

"Jet in particular, has been very aggressive in its international expansion, and they really need to consider if they should continue at that pace for the next 12-18 months," he said.

Jet, which is scheduled to launch daily services from Mumbai to San Francisco via Shanghai later this week, is adding more destinations in North America, Europe and Asia as it aims to get half its revenue from international operations by March 2010.

Merrill Lynch has forecast Jet will book a fourth quarter loss of 716 million rupees versus a profit of 881 million rupees in the same period a year earlier.

Jet, which has 10 Boeing 787 Dreamliners on order, has delayed reporting its fourth-quarter and full-year earnings. Chairman Naresh Goyal has said he expected the airline to turn a profit in 2009/10, in line with improved industry earnings. ($1=42.9 rupees)

"East is the new West":
http://www.uk-airport-news.info/heathrow-airport-news-100608a.htm

^ The newswire release of the same :

Virgin Atlantic To Start Twice Daily London-Hong Kong Svc
10 June 2008
Edited Press Release

LONDON (Dow Jones)--Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd. said on Tuesday that it's to increase its frequency between London Heathrow and Hong Kong from a daily flight to twice a day.

The extra services will lead to the creation of 100 new cabin crew roles, Virgin Atlantic said.

Our destiny lies in delta region, says airport chief
30 May 2008
South China Morning Post

Outgoing Airport Authority chairman Victor Fung Kwok-king says he is confident the airport can nearly triple the volume of cargo and double the number of passengers it handles each year within two decades.

"This airport, I believe, is definitely heading for 10 million tonnes of cargo and 100 million passengers" within the next 20 years, he said. "I would be fairly disappointed if we didn't."

New records were set last year, when the airport handled more than 3.74 million tonnes of cargo, up 4.5 per cent from 2006, and more than 47.78 million passengers, up 7.5 per cent. It was originally designed to have enough capacity for 9 million tonnes of cargo and 87 million passengers a year.

Plans for a Lantau logistics park near the airport were not dead, Mr Fung said.

Mr Fung, who steps down tomorrow after nine years as chairman, is a strong proponent of increasing the airport's catchment area in the Pearl River Delta region through co-operation with airports in Macau, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Zhuhai . The authority jointly manages Zhuhai airport and holds a 35 per cent stake in Hangzhou airport.

"This really raises the whole issue that, as we start managing Zhuhai, get closer to Shenzhen, work closer with Macau and eventually even Guangzhou, we should create an airport system in the entire Pearl River Delta that could serve Hong Kong and the whole region.

"Hong Kong is at the heart of the Pearl River Delta and, more and more, our destiny is tied up with developing this whole economic zone."

In the short term, Mr Fung said direct flights between Taiwan and the mainland could divert an estimated 6 per cent of passenger traffic from Hong Kong's airport.

He said the city would not offer different pricing structures for major airlines and low-cost or budget carriers. Some airports, such as in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Zhengzhou , have a terminal dedicated to budget carriers.

"There's no reason why, if you're a low-cost airline, you don't fly into Shenzhen" and connect to Hong Kong via a high-speed rail link, he said. "Hong Kong cannot take the view that we only do the high-end and not want the low-end."

Asked about the persistent rumours surrounding the airport's possible listing, Mr Fung said he was unaware of any such plans.

Starting next month, Mr Fung will head the 90-year-old Paris-based International Chamber of Commerce for two years as its first Asian chairman. He was previously its vice-chairman.

Continental cuts flights to and from Guam
13 June 2008

HAGATNA, Guam (AP) - Continental Airlines has announced it is cutting flights to and from Guam.

The airline is blaming rising fuel costs in part for its decision to end nonstop flights linking Guam with Hong Kong and Bali, Indonesia. Flights between Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, and Manila, Philippines, will also end.

Continental Micronesia Chief Executive Officer Mark Erwin says the cuts also reflect lower customer demand in these markets.

Customers booked on canceled and suspended flights will be contacted by Continental to arrange alternate flights or ticket refunds.

Continental says the company has offered voluntary layoff packages to Guam employees.

Press Release

HKIA Reports Healthy Growth in May

(HONG KONG, 15 June 2008) — Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) recorded steady growth in May 2008, with passenger volume increasing 8.3% over May 2007, to 4.1 million. Cargo throughput rose 6.7%, to 314,000 tonnes, and aircraft movements grew 4.3%, to 25,810.

The growth in passenger numbers was mainly attributable to increase in travel by Hong Kong residents and transfer traffic to and from South East Asia and North America. Transshipments to and from North America and the Chinese Mainland as well as imports from South East Asia and exports to Europe were the key drivers for cargo growth.

“May’s performance was encouraging, but high fuel prices are a major continuing concern for the aviation industry. There are already signs of some airlines slowing down their expansion, or reducing their operation to contain costs,” said Stanley Hui Hon-chung, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong. “The commencement of direct, weekend charter flights across the Taiwan Strait from July will have an impact on the number of passengers transferring through Hong Kong between Taiwan and the Chinese Mainland in the short to medium term.”

“In addition, the Sichuan earthquake may reduce Mainland people’s desire to travel, both internationally and to Hong Kong. We will continue to monitor the market closely in the coming months,” added Mr Hui.

For the 12 months ended 31 May 2008, passenger and cargo throughput reached 49.3 million and 3.9 million tonnes, representing year-on-year increases of 8.0% and 7.3%, respectively. Air traffic movements grew 5.6%, to 301,335.

Exercises, bad weather causing flight delays
15 June 2008
South China Morning Post

The civil aviation chief admits that bad weather and military exercises contribute to delays in flights from Hong Kong to some mainland cities.

Speaking on a radio programme, Director General of Civil Aviation Norman Lo Shung-man agreed that the delay of flights to and from Hong Kong had become much worse and was especially bad on routes to Beijing and Shanghai.

Mr Lo said flights to Shanghai and Beijing were always affected by bad weather, which limited the number of flights. He said military exercises also delayed civilian flights.

In the past two years, more than 200 flights from Hong Kong into the mainland have been delayed The delays can be from 35 to 47 minutes, according to Civil Aviation Department data.

Mr Lo said better overall co-ordination would improve the flow of flights. Part of the solution was to recruit more air-traffic controllers and the number of positions would increase from 22 to 27.

He said the department had agreed with mainland airports and Macau to optimise air traffic with moves like standardising flying procedures and the time between flights.

With airspace improvements, flight numbers into and out of Hong Kong could exceed 100 flights an hour, he said. But for Hong Kong to remain a major aviation hub amid tough competition, the flow of people and goods was as logistically important as achieving greater flight numbers.

Mr Lo said studies also indicated it was time a third runway was built at Chek Lap Kok. The Airport Authority was now researching the issue and a report was expected in two years.

^ The newswire release of the same :

Virgin Atlantic To Start Twice Daily London-Hong Kong Svc
10 June 2008
Edited Press Release

LONDON (Dow Jones)--Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd. said on Tuesday that it's to increase its frequency between London Heathrow and Hong Kong from a daily flight to twice a day.

The extra services will lead to the creation of 100 new cabin crew roles, Virgin Atlantic said.Good news. That will replace the lost Oasis service. It's not as cheap of course but it will be more sustainable in the long run. London to Hong Kong will go back to having 11 daily non-stop services:

Cathay Pacific = 4 daily
British Airways = 3 daily
Virgin Atlantic = 2 daily
Air New Zealand = 1 daily
Qantas = 1 daily
Total = 11 daily

Fliers to take hit as airlines up surcharge
Hong Kong Standard
Thursday, June 19, 2008

More airlines are likely to seek increases in fuel surcharges when applications are accepted next month, the Civil Aviation Department said yesterday.

The department's director general Norman Lo Shung-man said the cost of fuel has surged more than 50 percent in the past six months.

"Oil has gone up to as much as US$140 (HK$1,092) a barrel, while aviation fuel has hit US$170. Some are predicting the price of oil could reach US$200 this year," Lo said.

Last month the department approved the applications of 11 airlines seeking to increase the fuel surcharge by as much as 37 percent when the price of aviation fuel was US$159 a barrel.

Lo, speaking at a media reception yesterday, said most airlines had asked for even higher surcharges than those approved by his department.

The fuel surcharge is reviewed every two months. Lo said suggestions for a monthly review were not viable.

To help airlines save on fuel, Lo said a new route has been designed to shorten approach time to the airport by as much as seven minutes.

He added airlines have been thinking of different ways to save fuel by consolidating routes, rerouting and applying less paint on the planes so they will weigh less.

"Airlines will only provide services on profitable routes," Lo said, adding that he fears Hong Kong's development as an aviation hub could be affected if the total number of aircraft movements is reduced.

Lo said the airport currently handles an average of 55 flights per hour. This is expected to increase to 56 in October, 58 next year and 68 in 2015.

A spokeswoman for Cathay Pacific Airways, meanwhile, said the airline has been considering ways to shorten routes by using the mainland's air corridor.

She added that more new planes, which use less fuel, will also be used. These include the Boeing 777-300ER, of which eight out of 23 in total have already arrived. Each of the planes, she said, use around 22 percent less fuel than a Boeing 747.

Cathay, she added, will also seek destinations where oil prices are lower to save on return costs.

A Dragonair spokeswoman said the company is conducting a review of its overall network and will relocate resources to routes and services which provide better profitability.

Hong Kong Express, on the other hand, will carry less fuel, cutlery and magazines to lighten the load.

In other developments, Lo said Hong Kong will only be slightly affected by the agreement between Beijing and Taiwan for direct flights across the Taiwan Strait.

From news.gov.hk:
Airport Authority pays $2b dividend (http://news.gov.hk/en/category/businessandfinance/080625/html/080625en03004.htm)

Finnair reshuffles flights in attempt to meet high fuel costs
1 July 2008
Agence France Presse

Finnish airline Finnair said on Tuesday it would review its timetables and increase the number of flights between Europe and Asia, aiming to boost sales to offset high fuel costs.

Starting in October, Finnair said it would increase the number of flights to Hongkong and New York and adjust its timetables for flights to and from Bangkok, Delhi and Mumbai to better serve passengers transferring in Helsinki from other European cities.

"By increasing the number of onward connections, Finnair aims to increase passenger sales and load factors to meet the growing pressure caused by rising fuel prices," the company said in a statement.

Finnair also said it would discontinue its flights to Guangzhou at the beginning of the winter period.

JAL to launch Haneda-Hong Kong charter service Tuesday

TOKYO, July 1 Asia in Focus - JAPAN AIRLINES CORP. (TSE:9205) will launch a scheduled chartered service between Tokyo's Haneda airport and Hong Kong, starting today. The move comes in response to a June 2007 deregulation permitting late-night and early-morning international flights at Haneda, Japan's major domestic hub.

* JAL will offer one round trip per day on the route, with a Japan-bound flight leaving Hong Kong late at night and arriving in Tokyo early in the morning.

* This convenient timetable has gotten the airline off to a good start, with roughly 90 per cent of seats for July flights already booked.

Hundreds reach for the sky, but first have to show they can reach 2.08m
6 July 2008
South China Morning Post

Confidence, good looks and fluency in English and Cantonese were only the start for hundreds of Hong Kong men and women keen to join Virgin Atlantic yesterday.

They also had to pass the "reach test" and raise their arms to 2.08 metres to indicate their ability to access overhead lockers.

And all this for a HK$14,000 monthly salary for flight staff - including spending allowances - although they can earn more on extra flights.

Some job seekers arrived at the Tsim Sha Tsui hotel as early as 6am to secure one of 840 interview slots, which will eventually winnow out 100 workers to service additional flights planned between Hong Kong and London.

The doors opened at 8.30am, and each candidate was given a time to return for an interview.

Virgin Atlantic plans to increase the number of flights between Hong Kong and London's Heathrow Airport to twice daily in December.

The airline currently flies once daily between London, Hong Kong and Sydney.

The recruitment drive drew many former employees of failed Oasis Hong Kong Airlines and former employees of Cathay Pacific.

About 700 people lost their jobs when Oasis collapsed in April.

Many job seekers were hoping that a foreign airline would pay higher salaries and better benefits than locally based ones.

A Mr Cheung, 29, worked at Cathay Pacific for eight years before taking a pay cut to join Hong Kong Express. About 20 people from Hong Kong Express sought jobs with Virgin Atlantic.

"Cathay Pacific believes that you have to give the customer what they want," Mr Cheung said. "I didn't like the company culture. It was very focused on cutting costs and was not receptive to suggestions from staff. It made me depressed to be there."

Ms Mak, 25, a former flight attendant with Oasis, said being a flight attendant allowed her to go to school part-time. She wanted to be a stewardess, but would consider returning to her previous job at Hong Kong Disneyland if Virgin Atlantic did not hire her. Job seekers also sat an English written test and were interviewed.

Good to hear that Finnair is going to expand their business in HK.

More Hong Kong tourists coming to Langkawi
9 July 2008
New Straits Times

KUALA LUMPUR: Hong Kong has increased the number of direct charter flights to Langkawi to accommodate the tourist traffic that will be flocking to the country.

Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Mirza Mohd Taiyab said a projected revenue of RM9 million was expected from the 18 charter flights operated by Hong Kong Airlines.

This is an increase of seven flights compared with the 11 last year during the same period.

Each flight is scheduled to arrive between July 14 and Aug 27, with 168 passengers each directly to Langkawi, making up an estimated 3,000 tourists.

To increase arrivals from Hong Kong, Tourism Malaysia is working hand in hand with Hong Kong travel agency EGL Tours by offering special group tours which include a five-day/four-night return flight and accommodation packages at selected spots in Langkawi.

Last year, the country recorded 13,386 tourists arrivals from Hong Kong with each tourist spending an average of RM2,000.

"This year, we're expecting the number to double, and with the increase in room rates, the average expenditure per head would be between RM2,500 and RM3,000," said Mirza after launching the Hong Kong Express direct charter flights at Saloma Bistro yesterday.

Also present were Matta president Ngiam Foon, David Tham, the executive director of Option Tours and Travel Sdn Bhd, and Sammy Ng, the assistant operations manager of EGL Tours. Option and EGL Tours are two of the biggest agencies responsible for bringing in Hong Kong tourists.

Mirza said charter flights were an alternative solution for those travelling during peak season as commercial flights were usually fully booked.

He said since Langkawi was the most preferred destination for Hong Kong tourists, more commercial and charter flights were expected to be re-directed towards the route.

Malaysia Airlines, for example, will re-direct seven of its Hong Kong-Kuala Lumpur flights to fly straight to Langkawi, and on to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, every Friday from this Friday to Aug 22.

Besides Hong Kong Airlines, Cathay Pacific has two charter flights to Langkawi on July 30 and Aug 3. Other destinations include Kuantan, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak.

China Airlines is providing 23 charter flights direct from Taipei to Kuantan beginning June 16 to Sept 12, while FinnAir has nine flights scheduled fortnightly between November and March next year, bringing in an expected 2,043 tourists directly from Finland to Penang.

Mirza said besides Hong Kong, Russia and the Middle Eastern countries would also provide charter flights.

"There are 32 extra flights from Saudi Arabia this month and next month, while MAS will carry an additional 2,626 seats on its 35 flights from Jeddah to Kuala Lumpur."

Press Release

HKIA Reconfigures Departures Immigration Hall to Meet Growing Demand

(HONG KONG, 9 July 2008) – To meet increasing demand for passenger services, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has begun reconfiguring the North and South Departures Immigration halls in Terminal 1 (T1). During and upon completion of the reconfiguration, travellers will clear security before completing immigration formalities.

Scheduled for completion by the third quarter of 2009, the HK$90 million project will increase the number of security channels from 18 to 32, ensuring the Airport Authority continues to provide quality service.

Henry Ma, the Airport Authority's General Manager, Terminal, said, "HKIA will soon serve 50 million passengers each year. In preparation, we're upgrading our facilities and expanding our passenger handling capacity, all with the goal of delivering top-quality service to our customers."

"During reconfiguration, the Departure Immigration halls will include an additional security channel. We're also deploying extra staff to ensure the smooth flow of passengers," added Mr Ma.

The expansion of the Departure Immigration halls is part of a HK$4.5 billion enhancement programme that began in 2006 and will be completed in phases by 2011. In T1, the programme will consolidate the two Arrivals Immigration halls into a single, more spacious hall; add new transfer desks, immigration counters and security channels for arriving and transit passengers; and expand the airport's baggage handling capacity.

Two-thirds of the programme's $4.5 billion budget is being invested in the airfield. Ten new cargo stands have been built, the airport's two runways have been resurfaced and two rapid exit taxiways have come into operation. A new North Satellite Concourse is under construction and will enter service by 2009.

HK Gov't Gazette:
Permission Granted for Dragonair for Routes to and from HK to Busan/Jeju/Saipan/Guam (http://www.gld.gov.hk/cgi-bin/gld/egazette/gazettefiles.cgi?lang=e&year=2008&month=7&day=11&vol=12&no=28&gn=4590&header=1&acurrentpage=12&df=1&nt=gn&agree=1&gaz_type=mg&part=1&newfile=1&pid=)

Press Release

HKIA Records 5% Passenger Growth in June

(HONG KONG, 13 July 2008) ─ Passenger throughput at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) reached 4.1 million in June 2008, representing a 5% rise over June 2007. Cargo traffic increased 2.4% to 312,000 tonnes and air traffic movements went up 2.7% to 24,825.

While visitor traffic experienced a slowdown in June, growth in travel by Hong Kong residents and transfer/transit passengers was relatively more encouraging. Import/export cargo momentum showed signs of slowing down in June and the overall 2.4% growth was mainly driven by transshipment to and from the Chinese Mainland and North America. The slower growth in air cargo was largely in line with the reduction in foreign trade between China and its trading partners in the month.

“High fuel prices and volatilities in the financial market will likely continue. There is an increasing tendency for the airlines to meet the fuel cost increase challenge through both route and capacity rationalistion and fare increases, including fuel surcharges. Demand for air travel would be put to test in the higher fare environment,” said Stanley Hui Hon-chung, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong. “Higher cost of airfreight will also drive less time sensitive shipments to sea freight. Given the latest market outlook, both passenger traffic and cargo volume will likely see lower growth this year,” added Mr Hui.

For the first half of 2008, passenger volume, cargo traffic and aircraft movements rose by 7.3%, 6.8% and 4.6% over the same period last year, to 24.4 million, 1.8 million tonnes and 149,890, respectively. For the 12 months ended 30 June 2008, HKIA handled 49.5 million passengers, 3.9 million tonnes of cargo and 301,980 air traffic movements, representing year-on-year increases of 7.8%, 7% and 5.4%, respectively.

Happy to have contributed 2 passenger counts to the June figures. :)

For the seventh time in 10 years, Hong Kong International Airport has been named as the traveller's favourite - being voted World's Best Airport 2008 in the World Airport Awards™
http://www.worldairportawards.com/Awards_2008/Airport2008.htm

LONDON - 14th July 2008 : Hong Kong International Airport has been named the World's Best Airport for 2008, in the worldwide passenger survey results released today by Skytrax. Representing a notable achievement, this is the 7th time in ten years that the accolade has been won by Hong Kong International Airport.

Singapore Changi Airport remains firmly positioned itself at the top end of the rankings, in 2nd position worldwide, ahead of Seoul Incheon International Airport in 3rd place. Asian airport dominance of the high survey rankings is topped off by Kuala Lumpur International Airport, which moves up into 4th place in the 2008 results.

"We congratulate Hong Kong for their repeated success in winning the World's best Airport title" said Skytrax CEO, Mr Edward Plaisted. "In recent years, the whole air travel experience has become much more focussed on the time customers spend in the airport environment, and Hong Kong has established itself as a clear passenger favourite in this respect."

"The World Airport Survey evaluates a broad spectrum of product and service touchpoints across the airport experience, covering a wide spectrum of passenger types. Hong Kong was particularly notable for gaining highest satisfaction ratings in such a diverse market. Like any other business, an airport is striving to deliver world-class standards that will make a customer want to use it again, and achieving this level of loyalty requires the highest levels of quality consistency - something where Hong Kong was singled out again and again during the survey."

"Over the last 10 years, the Skytrax World Airport Awards have become recognised as the trusted, global symbol of quality for airports," said Edward Plaisted. "Our survey participants represent the most experienced, diverse and discerning travellers in the marketplace, and airports throughout the world recognize the inherent value that comes with their endorsement."

The 2006 title winner, Singapore Changi Airport, is ranked 2nd in the 2008 World Airport Awards, with Seoul Incheon Airport in 3rd, and KLIA Kuala Lumpur moving into 4th place.

"We again saw a very tight finish to this 2007/8 passenger survey, with very close margins seen between the World's Top 3 airports. The opening of the new Terminal 3 at Singapore Changi was clearly visible from results during the survey, with customer satisfaction levels showing marked increases for this airport over the period it was included. We have yet to see what impact the new Concourse Terminal will have upon passenger ratings for Seoul Incheon Airport, with this being too late to have any impact on these 2008 results" said Plaisted.

Munich Airport is again the winner of Best Airport in Europe title, and also ranked 5th in the world - out of more than 190 airports. San Francisco was named Best Airport North America, ahead of Vancouver (2nd) and Dallas/Fort Worth in 3rd position for the region.

In the Middle East passengers have to wait awhile for airport improvements, with the new airports yet to open in Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi. In the meantime, Best Airport for the region is Tel Aviv (1st), Bahrain (2nd) and Muscat (3rd).

Best Airport in Africa is Cape Town, which for the first time has entered the World's Top 10 Airports in 10th position, with Johannesburg ranked 2nd in Africa, ahead of Addis Ababa in 3rd place.

ABOUT THE SURVEY

The World Airport Survey is conducted by UK-based aviation research organisation, Skytrax, with more than 8.2 million questionnaires completed by passengers across the world, during the 10 month survey period.

Passenger interviews include a detailed appraisal for more than 40 categories of product and service quality from check-in to departure, from arrivals to baggage collection - including terminal cleanliness, staff efficiency, staff courtesy, terminal signage, security processing, immigration and customers, walking distances, as well as features like shopping, dining options, internet services.

Survey Methodology
http://www.worldairportawards.com/main/methods.htm

RESULTS
1. Hong Kong
2. Singapore Changi
3. Seoul Incheon
4. Kuala Lumpur KLIA
5. Munich
6. Kansai
7. Copenhagen
8. Zurich
9. Helsinki
10. Cape Town

http://www.worldairportawards.com/images/APTSM2106.jpg

HK Airport June Cargo Volume Growth Slows Sharply To 2.4%
13 July 2008

HONG KONG (Dow Jones)--Cargo volume growth at Hong Kong's airport slowed sharply in June as exports from China eased and fuel costs of airlines rose, the Airport Authority Hong Kong said.

The airport operator said in a statement Sunday cargo volume in June rose 2.4% to 312,000 metric tons, from 305,000 tons a year earlier. That is down from May's 6.7% growth and is the lowest expansion in cargo volume in the past year.

"The slower growth in air cargo was largely in line with the reduction in foreign trade between China and its trading partners in the month," the statement said.

"Higher cost of airfreight will also drive less time-sensitive shipments to sea freight," it added.

For the first six months this year, the airport handled 1.8 million tons of cargo, or 6.8% more than it did in the same period last year.

In the same statement, the Airport Authority Hong Kong said it handled 4.1 million passengers in June, or 5% more than it did a year earlier.

The growth in the number of passengers also slowed from May, when passenger throughput grew 8.3% from a year earlier.

Passenger throughput in the first half this year totaled 24.4 million, or 7.3% more than a year earlier.

Total aircraft movements for June rose 2.7% to 24,825 from 24,161.

Hong Kong International Airport operates more than 5,000 flights a week and has an annual passenger handling capacity of more than 45 million. The Hong Kong government owns 100% of the airport authority.

AirAsia calls for budget terminal in HK to boost passenger growth
11 July 2008
South China Morning Post

AirAsia, one of the most profitable budget airlines in the world, yesterday called on the Hong Kong Airport Authority to build a budget terminal to stimulate passenger growth.

The Malaysia-based carrier launched its first Hong Kong-Kuala Lumpur service last month and already has a 90 per cent load factor, flying 20,000 passengers so far.

"We are thinking about increasing the service to twice daily in October and further lowering fares because of the economies of scale," said chief executive Tony Fernandes yesterday.

Meanwhile, in light of soaring fuel prices, which account for about 50 per cent of the carrier's operating costs, AirAsia is seeking every possible way to save costs.

"If Hong Kong could start building a budget terminal, we could bring Hong Kong people to other cities in Malaysia, Indonesia and even Bali," Mr Fernandes said.

There are three low-cost terminals in Asia which have minimal decoration and charge lower landing and aircraft parking fees, as well as lower passenger fees, which translate into cheaper airfares.

Singapore and Malaysia's budget terminals have brought extra passenger flows.

In March, Singapore decided to expand its budget terminal by 2.5 times to handle 7 million passengers a year. Malaysia's low-cost terminal, scheduled to handle almost 15 million passengers this year, is set to surpass its design capacity.

Market watchers said Hong Kong should not shut itself off from the booming budget airline market.

"One out of 10 business travellers is taking a budget airline," said Timothy Kwai Ting-kong, an economics columnist who writes for various publications. Since Macau welcomed AirAsia two years ago, the number of tourists coming from Malaysia has exceeded those from either Japan or South Korea. "It is the merit of budget airlines."

The Airport Authority, however, seemed indifferent to the proposal by the airline and the industry, added Mr Kwai, who said he suggested the idea to deputy secretary Esmond Lee of Hong Kong's Economic Development Bureau in May.

"A two-storey north satellite concourse with 10 bridge-served parking stands is under construction to serve narrow-bodied aircraft," the Airport Authority replied through an e-mail yesterday.

The facility is not catering to budget airlines, but to the aircraft type that budget airlines usually deploy. The spokesman from the airport said it was by no means considered a budget terminal.

Seair seeks Macau, Hong Kong flights
18 July 2008
The Manila Times

SOUTHEAST Asian Airlines (Seair) has asked the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) for seat entitlements to mount flights in Macau and Hong Kong from Clark, in a bid to serve the growing demand for overseas Filipino workers and local tourists.

In a filing with the CAB, Seair wants 2,520 seat entitlements, allowing the airline to fly twice daily to the world's top gambling destination from Clark. The carrier also wants the same number of seat entitlements to Hong Kong, allowing it to fly twice daily from Clark.

The Philippine air panel and its counterpart in Macau recently completed an air service agreement raising total seat entitlements to 13,100 a week from 850.

Of the total, 3,600 seats will be allocated for Manila and Macau, vice-versa; 6,000 seats for Clark and Subic; and another 3,500 seats weekly for carriers outside Manila.

Philippine Airlines (PAL), Cebu Pacific and Asian Spirit earlier expressed interest in tapping the world's top gambling destination. PAL had said that it needs 1,050-weekly seat entitlements to Macau from Manila. The Lucio Tan-owned airline began flying on May 1 with 450 weekly seats entitlements or five times a week through a temporary operating permit.

Also, the Philippines and Hong Kong government have agreed to 23,800 seat entitlements per week for each state. Of the total, 15,000 had been allocated to Manila, 6,300 to Clark and the remaining 2,500 to Cebu.

Avelino Zapanta, Seair president said the application for seat entitlements in Macau and Hong Kong forms part of the airline's expansion since last year.

"We are looking to operate the Macau and Hong Kong as soon as possible, despite this development," Zapanta said, referring to rising fuel costs.

The airline's expansion plan had been delayed for more than a year because of the CAB's failure to approve the lease agreement with Singaporean budget airline Tiger Airways for two brand new Airbus aircraft.

In September 2006, Seair signed a lease agreement with Tiger Airways for the two brand-new 180-seater A320 aircraft.

Rivals Cebu Pacific, PAL, Asian Spirit and Air Philippines separately filed oppositions to the agreement before the CAB on the ground that Tiger is using Seair to access domestic operations.

The new aircraft will be used for its regional flight expansion.

At present, Seair has 11 aircrafts, of which four are Dornier 328 and seven Let 410 UVP-Es.

Seair flies 18 routes to local tourist destinations such as Manila; Caticlan (Boracay) and Cebu in the Visayas; Clark in Northern Luzon; Busuanga, Cuyo, El Nido, Puerto Princesa and Rodriguez in Palawan; Camiguin, Cotobato, Zamboanga, Jolo, and Tawi-Tawi in Mindanao.

Nine airlines cleared to raise fuel surcharges
Passengers pick up latest bill for increase in cost of aviation fuel
26 July 2008
South China Morning Post

Cathay Pacific and eight other airlines have been cleared by the government to charge passengers more than HK$900 each way in fuel surcharges on long-haul flights.

More carriers are expected to apply for a higher tariff next week to help offset the rising cost of aviation fuel.

The higher surcharge means short-haul passengers flying within Asia will pay HK$231 each way, up 35 per cent from HK$171. Long-haul routes to destinations such as North and South America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East will now cost HK$924 in fuel surcharges instead of HK$710, up 30 per cent.

These are the maximum adjustments allowed by the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) under the current review, effective from August 1 to September 30.

Cathay Pacific, which expressed regret over the higher surcharge, said the latest increase would cover less than half the fuel cost.

The current average short- and long-haul fuel surcharges represent 50.4 per cent and 63.4 per cent of those at international levels, respectively.

Cathay Pacific, its subsidiary, Dragonair, Singapore Airlines and short-haul Xiamen Airlines will impose the maximum increases. Nepal Airlines and Saudi Arabian Airlines, which previously opted to maintain their surcharges at HK$240 and HK$118 per leg, respectively, will more than double them to HK$540 and HK$470.

All Nippon Airways' surcharge will rise to HK$171 from HK$125, Jetstar Asia Airways will raise its surcharge to HK$231 from HK$136, and the new Aeroflot rate will be HK$753, up from HK$620.

A department spokesman said: "Despite the reduction in oil prices in the last several days, the latest monthly average for aviation fuel prices is still higher than that when the passenger fuel surcharges were last reviewed.

"The significant increase in fuel prices has had a severe impact on the operating costs of airlines.

"Although airlines have taken some cost-cutting actions to counter the high fuel costs, they are still unable to offset the additional cost due to the high fuel prices. Some airlines have had to redeploy their capacity or even reduce services."

Data from the International Air Transport Association, which represents the airline industry, shows the average global price of aviation fuel reached US$166.10 a barrel on July 18. This was down 7.1 per cent from a week earlier, but 81.7 per cent higher year on year.

The association estimated that would raise the global airline industry's fuel bill this year by about US$89 billion.

A Cathay Pacific spokesman said: "There is a significant time lag of two to three months from the time we submit our fuel surcharge application to the CAD to the time the new surcharges become effective.

"The supporting information we submitted earlier this month to the CAD was based on average jet fuel prices in May and June since the last review.

"Also, the difference between jet fuel and crude oil prices had widened dramatically in recent months because of additional refinery costs, limited refinery capacity and persistent demand."

Rising oil prices have taken a heavy toll on the region's aviation industry this year. Cathay Pacific said this month that half-year earnings scheduled to be released next month would be disappointing.

HK Airport Press Release:
Airport Authority Awards Consultancy Contract for Master Plan 2030 (http://hongkongairport.com/eng/pr/pr_934.html)

HK Aircraft Engineering 1H Net Profit Rises 7.9% To HK$591M
5 August 2008

HONG KONG (Dow Jones)--Engineering services firm Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Co. (0044.HK) said Tuesday its first-half net profit rose 7.9% from a year earlier, lifted by increased demand for heavy aircraft maintenance work.

Net profit for the six months ended June 30 totaled HK$591 million from HK$548 million a year earlier.

Revenue rose 12% to HK$2.50 billion from HK$2.23 billion.

The Hong Kong-listed company recommended a first-half dividend of HK$0.93, up from HK$0.88 a year earlier.

Haeco is controlled by Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. (0293.HK) and its parent Swire Pacific Ltd. (0019.HK).

The company operates two aircraft maintenance hangars in Hong Kong and five hangars in Xiamen airport.

Press Release
5 August 2008
AIRASIA adds 2nd Daily Flight to Hong Kong with Truly Low Fares!
Promotional fares from as low as RM88*

KUALA LUMPUR, 5th August 2008 – AirAsia, the leading and largest low cost carrier in Asia, today announced its second direct daily flights from Kuala Lumpur to Hong Kong to meet the increase demand from business and leisure travellers.

Since the launch of the first flight on 15th May 2008, the overwhelming demand from travellers has grown tremendously not only from holidaymakers but also from those with business ventures in the region. Business travellers may make the most of the cheaper fares offered by the only low-cost airline to connect the two regions.

Commenting on the increased frequency Kathleen Tan, Regional Head of Commercial, AirAsia, said: “At a time when some airlines are cutting routes and downsizing capacity, AirAsia is breaking the trend with our expansion plans, adding services where there is proven demand, which there certainly is for the Hong Kong route.

“In the current economic climate, corporate organisations are doing all they can to reduce their controllable spending- such as air travel. We are looking at creating demand at the lowest possible fares. Corporate travellers will now have smarter alternative travelling choices to fly low cost and at the same time given choices of pre booking hot meals online, Xpress boarding and other value added services offered via our seamless online booking. ”

Since the launch of the route 3 months ago, the average monthly load factor has exceeded 85 per cent. This early indication has supported the introduction of the extra service to accommodate growing demand for this currently under-served route. The second daily service will start on 27th August, 2008.

“Hong Kong has always been a prominent destination due to its significance as a growing centre of international commercial and financial hub. Due to its ever growing potential, many Malaysians are starting to venture into the region to look for business prospects. Furthermore, it has long been on the radar as shopping and cultural haven for leisure tourists. In fact, with the Hong Kong International Airport’s exclusive infrastructure, serving as an international hub feeding on traffic to international destinations has allowed us to expand and tap new markets. We are excited to be pioneering the low cost model in Hong Kong, and to be extending our notoriously low fares to passengers throughout the region.”

“The number of youth travellers from Hong Kong to Malaysia has also increased as Malaysia offers a variety of vacation spots with white sandy beaches and historical sites as a holiday getaway. We also hope to tap new markets such as the expatriate community in Hong Kong and create latent demand for the route with the added frequency. The launch of the 2nd daily flight has come at the right time as travellers are now planning for year end holidays. AirAsia will continue to offer travellers to visit Asia for less. ” concluded Kathleen.

The Hong Kong route forms part of AirAsia’s strategy to establish Kuala Lumpur as a gateway to other Asia destinations, using its vast route network across Asia. The airline’s relationship with its long-haul affiliate AirAsia X will also connect traffic from Australia to the Chinese city.

Director of the Malaysian Tourism Board (Hong Kong and Macau); Zaliha Zainuddin said “Discovering the excitement and wonder of Malaysia is a growing trend amongst Hong Kong travelers and we are pleased to be working with Air Asia to meet this demand. We've found that Hong Kong leisure travelers have varied tastes and feel that Malaysia is uniquely positioned to offer a kaleidoscopic array of incredible experiences.”

To celebrate this announcement, AirAsia is offering promotional fares from as low as RM 88 (HKD 228) for its guests for the booking period from 5 August – 8 August 2008 for the travel period from 27 August 2008 - 30 April 2009. This offer is available exclusively via online at AirAsia’s website. For further information, please log on to www.airasia.com

Dragonair to launch daily Hanoi flight
7 August 2008
Agence France Presse

Hong Kong's Dragonair, a sister airline of Cathay Pacific, said it will start daily flights to Vietnam's capital Hanoi from late October.

From October 26 an Airbus A320 will make the daily return flight to Hanoi, the eighth new destination to be launched since Dragonair became part of the Cathay Pacific Group, the airline said.

"We are excited about entering this dynamic market with its fast-growing economy and rapid growth in tourist traffic," said Dragonair chief executive officer Kenny Tang in a statement earlier this week.

"Adding Hanoi as our latest destination represents another important step forward for Dragonair, helping to further expand our network of niche destinations in Asia."

Storm forces plane to abort landing in HK
Abrupt U-turn stuns passengers
8 August 2008
South China Morning Post

About 300 passengers were left in a state of shock after a China Airlines airliner aborted a landing at Chek Lap Kok amid wild weather yesterday and, with engines on full power, abruptly climbed several thousand metres and headed back to Taipei.

Flight CI 617 rose to 3,000 metres in a minute and turned back to Taiwan at 12.47am after it had descended to just 100 metres above the sea on its approach to the northern runway from the southwest, passengers said.

But the Civil Aviation Department said the plane had not missed its approach, as the pilots had already decided to return to Taipei when it was about 2km from the runway. A department spokesman said CI 617's pilots had been instructed to climb to at least 1,500 metres after they had said they would return to Taipei.

The flight had been delayed for more than four hours when it left Taipei's Taoyuan airport at 10.30pm on Wednesday because of Severe Tropical Storm Kammuri, which had grounded flights in Hong Kong.

"I saw the airport's lines of lights so I believed we were about to land," said a Post reporter who was aboard the flight. "But it just climbed up steeply. The force was so abrupt that I felt that I was going to vomit."

A pilot explained the sudden action and the flight's return to Taiwan 20 minutes later.

The flight finally landed safely in Taipei at 2am. Most passengers waited until 3am and then departed again on a flight which arrived in Hong Kong at 4.30am. A group of 30 passengers, mainly from an EGL Tour, were temporarily accommodated in the airline's Taoyuan airport VIP lounge to await other flights to Hong Kong yesterday.

Thomas Yan, a passenger aboard the airliner which aborted its landing, said he felt the plane "floating" and its speed appeared not to be right as it made its approach to Hong Kong airport. He criticised the airline for keeping passengers in the dark for 20 minutes after the plane had climbed again and headed for Taiwan.

He said he felt like "we were nearly killed".

"It was extremely irresponsible for China Airlines not to explain everything to passengers and not to offer passengers an option to change planes [after they returned to Taiwan]," said Mr Yan.

A spokesman for China Airlines yesterday said that the decision to divert was made by the pilot at 12.38am due to cross winds exceeding limits at Chek Lap Kok.

A Hong Kong Observatory spokesman said occasional heavy rain affected the airport with visibility down to about 2,500 metres between midnight and 1am yesterday. The wind-shear warning was also in place during that time while maximum crosswinds from the southeast reached 56km/h.

It said 38 pilot reports of significant wind shear and turbulence had been received during August 6 and up to 6am yesterday.

Peter Lok Kung-nam, a former director general of civil aviation, said it was never too late for a plane to climb again if pilots found weather conditions unfavourable for landing.

"There is little risk involved," he said. "It is even normal for planes to touch and go."

Dragonair to launch daily Hanoi flight
7 August 2008
Agence France Presse

Hong Kong's Dragonair, a sister airline of Cathay Pacific, said it will start daily flights to Vietnam's capital Hanoi from late October.

From October 26 an Airbus A320 will make the daily return flight to Hanoi, the eighth new destination to be launched since Dragonair became part of the Cathay Pacific Group, the airline said.

"We are excited about entering this dynamic market with its fast-growing economy and rapid growth in tourist traffic," said Dragonair chief executive officer Kenny Tang in a statement earlier this week.

"Adding Hanoi as our latest destination represents another important step forward for Dragonair, helping to further expand our network of niche destinations in Asia."

But isn't Hanoi already served by CX ?

But isn't Hanoi already served by CX ?

Only by codeshare with Vietnam Airlines. Cathay / Dragonair, before this announcement, did not fly their planes to Hanoi. The only other carrier that serves this route is Hong Kong Airlines.

^^Err...I always thought HKG-HAN is a busy line considering their proximity and huge pop.

Actually Ho Chi Minh is a busier route. Both Cathay and Vietnam Airlines fly there even though they codeshare as well. In addition, United and Hong Kong Airlines also compete on the route.

Mainland airlines increase surcharges for HK, Macau flights
9 August 2008
South China Morning Post

Mainland airlines have increased fuel surcharges on their Hong Kong and Macau flights, a move that has lagged similar increases for domestic and international flights.

China Southern Airlines said it had applied a 21 yuan (HK$24) per passenger surcharge increase on Hong Kong and Macau routes, as well as a 50 yuan increase on Taiwan routes, effective August 6.

China Eastern Airlines also adopted the fuel surcharge increase, mainland media reported.

Although international oil prices have come down 15 per cent in the past month, Beijing has not lowered domestic jet fuel prices accordingly.

"We applied for an increase in fuel surcharge on Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan routes to [make up for] the shortfall since we have not adjusted them the last couple of times," said Wang Jianjun, the managing director of China Southern Air Holding's finance department.

Mainland carriers have already increased fuel surcharges on international and domestic routes at least twice this year. However, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, which are neither international nor domestic routes, were not subject to the increases.

Beijing raised ex-factory fuel prices 25 per cent to 7,450 yuan a tonne on June 19, followed by a 700 yuan per tonne increase in the retail price set by China Aviation Oil. Both moves partly reflected the substantial increase in international prices.

Despite the passenger fuel surcharge increases, experts say they will cover only about two-thirds of the extra fuel costs.

Slowdown in Air Traffic
Airport Authority Press Release

(HONG KONG, 17 August 2008) – Passenger volume at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) grew 1.3%, to 4.5 million, in July 2008 while cargo throughput rose 0.7%, to 317,000 tonnes. Air traffic movements increased 2.1% from July 2007, to 25,895.

Whilst the overall market slowed down, there were a few bright spots. The small growth in passenger volume was attributable to the increase in transfer traffic related to North American and Australasian destinations while cargo transshipments also helped the growth in cargo throughput. Both cargo import and export recorded declines. July's performance was consistent with latest Airport Authority projections in light of economic uncertainties and the impact of high fuel price on travel and freight demand.

Stanley Hui Hon-chung, Chief Executive Officer of the Airport Authority, said, "Airports and airlines worldwide are feeling the effects of surging fuel prices and economic uncertainties, conditions we expect will likely continue. Airlines have started to reduce flight frequencies to contain losses. As a result, we anticipate a more difficult operating environment and slower growth for all categories of air traffic for the remainder of the year. HKIA will monitor closely changes in the market."

On a rolling twelve-month basis to 31 July 2008, HKIA's air traffic experienced solid growth. Passenger throughput increased 7.3%, to 49.5 million, cargo volume rose 6.5%, to 3.9 million tonnes and air traffic movements climbed 5% to 302,510.

http://www.hongkongairport.com/pr_download/Jul2008e.pdf

AirAsia to launch Bangkok link
26 August 2008
South China Morning Post

Budget carrier AirAsia will launch daily flights to Bangkok on October 26 despite an increasingly tough operating environment and high fuel costs.

The airline made its Hong Kong debut on May 15 with a daily service to Kuala Lumpur for as little as HK$99 one-way, excluding surcharges and taxes. An evening departure to Kuala Lumpur will be added tomorrow.

AirAsia chief executive Tony Fernandes said the Hong Kong-Kuala Lumpur route could grow to four or five flights a day.

The budget carrier is the largest in Southeast Asia and joins more than half a dozen airlines that fly between Hong Kong and Bangkok, one of the most popular holiday destinations.

Kathleen Tan, AirAsia's regional commercial manager, said the price for the Bangkok route would be finalised in the next fortnight and was expected to be lower than the HK$99 Kuala Lumpur fare, since the travelling time was about an hour less.

The route is dominated by Cathay Pacific, with five flights daily and round-trip fares averaging between HK$2,000 and HK$3,000.

Airlines are experiencing tough times with high fuel costs and tightening consumer spending.

AirAsia started charging passengers HK$26 to check in baggage a few months ago but offers a 50 per cent discount online. Like other carriers, it levies a surcharge to help offset the high cost of fuel but has not increased it, to keep its fares low.

Cathay Pacific passengers pay a surcharge of HK$231 each way to fly within Asia, up 35 per cent from HK$171 last month.

AirAsia had started washing its fleet of Airbus A320s more often to lose any dirt that could add to the planes' weight, Ms Tan said.

Thai AirAsia to fly daily to HK
28 August 2008
The Nation

Budget airline Thai AirAsia plans to operate a Bangkok-Hong Kong service from late October.

Chief executive Tassapon Bijleveld said the airline would operate daily flights between the cities with newly delivered 180-seat Airbus A320s. It will be parent company AirAsia's second route to Hong Kong, following its Kuala Lumpur-Hong Kong service.

Tassapon said the airline would aim for an average load factor of 80 per cent and hoped Hong Kong would become a favourite destination for Thai travellers.

"The airline will start selling tickets in the next few weeks. So far, 2,000 customers have already asked to buy tickets," he said.

According to Thai AirAsia, there are 19 flights per day operating between Hong Kong and Bangkok, ranging in price between Bt13,000 and Bt15,000 per trip.

Thai AirAsia guarantees to charge less than Bt10,000. The fuel surcharge will be Bt900 one way, while airport tax and insurance will be added.

Apart from Hong Kong, the airline plans to service Bangkok to Guangzhou in China, Bali in Indonesia and cities in India.

Thai AirAsia expects to serve 4.6 million passengers this year. It had 2.1 million passengers in the first six months, an increase of 25 per cent year on year. It has had 10 million passengers since it started operations four years ago.

Airports of Thailand wants the airline to move operations back to Don Mueang Airport once work begins on the second-phase expansion of Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Tassapon said Thai AirAsia would need to get a commitment of staying a minimum of five years to cover the cost of relocation.

"When AOT finalises its plan, we will talk about the move," he said.

Two foreign airlines to serve Bali
4 September 2008
The Jakarta Post

Two more foreign airlines have been scheduled to provide direct flights to Bali in the near future said Heru Legowo, general manager for airport operations at Ngurah Rai international Airport on Wednesday.

"The two airlines are Hong Kong Express based in Hong Kong and Virgin Blue in Australia," Heru said, speaking for the state-owned firm PT Angkasa Pura I, which manages the airport.

He said the two airlines would start offering direct flights to Bali later this month: Hong Kong Express to begin on Sept. 11 with four flights from Hong Kong a week and Virgin Blue would fly in 11 times a week from Cairns.

"The start date for Virgin Blue flights has not been set yet, but they have been scheduled to start within the month," he said.

The two airlines will raise the number of foreign airlines serving Bali directly to 26.

Heru expected more foreign airlines will help increase the number of foreign tourists visiting the resort island, especially from Hong Kong and Australia.

As Hong Kong Express also flies to South Korea and Taiwan, "we hope the new services will significantly raise the number of visitors to Bali", he said.

Aloysius Purwa, chair of the Bali chapter of the Association of Indonesian Tour and Travel Agencies (ASITA), hailed the planned services by the two foreign airlines.

The rising number of foreign tourists visiting Bali reflects rising international interest in the island, Purwa said.

"This will ensure Bali remains one of the favorite tourism destinations in the world," he said.

"Bali needs still more foreign airlines to enable foreign tourists to go there."

Purwa added the number of foreign airlines serving direct flights to Bali is still too small to attract significantly more visitors.

Based on figures from the Denpasar office of the Central Statistics Agency, the number of foreign tourists visiting Bali from January to July 2008 reached about 1.11 million, an increase of 21.64 percent compared to 912,270 tourists during the corresponding period last year.

Chek Lap Kok chief urges links with mainland airports for bright future
Hong Kong Standard
Tuesday, September 09, 2008

The future of Hong Kong International Airport hinges on its links with mainland airports, according to its chairman Marvin Cheung Kin-tung.

Addressing the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce yesterday, Cheung said that although the territory's aviation market is mature, it is experiencing pressure from an economic slump and higher prices as well as stiffer competition on the horizon.

Cheung called for border crossing formalities to be made more seamless to "compete effectively and secure our share of the market from the Pearl River Delta." Future growth areas, he said, lie in expanding the city's access to new routes, including mainland domestic routes.

He defended the airport's 55 percent investment in Zhuhai Airport and 35 percent stake in Hangzhou's Xiaoshan International Airport, saying there is an obligation for Hong Kong to share its management expertise with mainland airports.

Hangzhou airport's initial public offering next year would have an extremely good return for the Hong Kong airport, he added.

Cheung ruled out the possibility of waiving airport fees for carriers to encourage wider use as this would not provide substantial relief. Instead, closer relationships with airports in the delta would help enhance traffic flow and capture a range of future business opportunities.

"[Shenzhen] strengths and our strengths are very different. They have a tremendously strong domestic network and we have a very strong international network, but our domestic network doesn't compare with them. If we are able to link them with a dedicated high- speed rail link, as outlined in the chief executive's policy address, that would be a tremendous advantage," Cheung said.

"Hong Kong must come first," he said, adding, "one area where we can possibly enhance our position is to help sister airports in China which will benefit Hong Kong indirectly. If they get the traffic we'll get the spin- off. With their IPO we'll get the dollars. It is not as direct, but the priority is Hong Kong."

Looking to increase the airport's current operation of 55 movements an hour to 68 or above within a decade, Cheung said a study would be launched to look at the need of a third runway, its associated costs, benefits and environmental impacts.

The airport is undergoing a HK$4.5 billion makeover that has added 10 cargo stands and a north satellite concourse with 10 bays for narrow-body aircraft. It will also open a four-story, four-berth ferry pier next year.

Donghai Airlines Opens Air Cargo Service to HK
9 September 2008

Donghai Airlines launched the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Shenzhen freight routes today. This is the first time for Shenzhen Airport to open round-trip freight routes to Hong Kong. At present, there are in total 9 companies operating international air cargo business at Shenzhen Airport. Donghai Airlines will the 10th and it is also the only one that especially operates round-trip air cargo business to Hong Kong. It flies every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Hong Kong Commercial Daily News

HK eyes nostalgic return of seaplanes to its harbour

HONG KONG, Sept 11 (Reuters) - Propeller-powered seaplanes could once more glide into Hong Kong's famed harbour, with the former British colony now considering a proposal to revive this bygone era of travel after half a century.

In the 1930s, when the modern financial hub was a sleepy colonial outpost, seaplanes could be seen splashing down like gleaming silver gulls into the calm embrace of its deep-water harbour -- dotted with Chinese junks and sampans, and buttressed by rippling hills to the north and south.

While the Japanese invasion of Hong Kong in World War Two disrupted runs to the nearby Portuguese enclave of Macau which lacked a terrestrial airstrip, seaplanes took off again after the war, though their commercial viability waned and this brief flirtation with amphibious flights came to an end by the 1960s.

Now, a Canadian entrepreneur is aiming to revive some of the thrill and romance of the era, with a proposal to launch regular seaplane services between Hong Kong and the booming casino hub of Macau on twin-propeller, 18-seat DHC-6 Twin Otters.

"It's going to take two or three minutes to transit the harbour and honestly the view is going to be absolutely phenomenal," said Michael Agopsowicz, director of WaterfrontAir.

"These are the same planes they use to fly through the Grand Canyon... it's the real James Bond experience," he added.

While the government is still considering the safety and viability of the proposal, the city's tourism promotion board has backed the idea's business and leisure potential.

"Not only can the services offer users the opportunity to view Hong Kong's spectacular skyline and cityscape over the Victoria Harbour, they can also strengthen Hong Kong's image as a major cosmopolitan city," said the board's executive director, Anthony Lau, in a recent written response.

FLYING DOWN MEMORY LANE

The seaplanes are slated to take off from a water aerodrome near Hong Kong's old Kai Tak airport, which stands to evoke nostalgic memories of the exhilarating arrival by air to the city in the old days, as planes banked precariously over the rooftops of buildings onto a runway jutting into the harbour.

"Great idea, I would love to see this happen," said a blogger called Christopher Cundle on the Hong Kong plane spotter's website (www.hkspotting.com)

The seaplanes would be cheaper -- around $200 a trip -- than existing helicopter services to Macau that cost around $300 and quicker than ferry services that take an hour, with plans to have 20 flights a day ferrying 150,000 visitors a year.

"This could be history being renewed, a lot of people are excited about that," said Agopsowicz.

Since the first French-designed "Canard" took flight in 1910, seaplanes have been used for diverse civilian, emergency and military purposes in remote areas including the Alaskan and Canadian wilderness, as well as the African Bush.

Seaplanes are also a fixture in places like Vancouver in Canada, the Caribbean islands, Glasgow and Sydney.

Asia however, despite its stunning coasts and famed port cities, has few commercial seaplane services except those plying the turquoise seas of southern Thailand and the Maldives archipelago in the Indian Ocean.

Hong Kong Overtakes Memphis Airport
1 September 2008
Traffic World

For a month at least, Hong Kong International Airport is on top of the world in the air cargo business.

The airport became the world's largest cargo airport in June, overtaking Memphis International Airport as the longtime No. 1 airport and FedEx Express hub suffered a steep decline in summer freight traffic.

Hong Kong, long the world's largest international gateway, handled 312,000 metric tons of cargo in June, according to the Airport Authority of Hong Kong. The tonnage was 2.4 percent better than the same month a year ago. Memphis, meanwhile, saw cargo traffic fall 13 percent in June, to 289,715 metric tons.

Hactl welcomes Donghai Airlines to Hong Kong
HACTL Press Release

(9 September 2008, Hong Kong) Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) is pleased to welcome Donghai Airlines Co., Ltd. (Donghai Airlines) as a new customer. The Shenzhen-based freighter carrier launched its inaugural flight to Hong Kong today, starting its 4-time-a-week freighter service with routings Shenzhen – Hong Kong – Chengdu.

Hactl has been appointed by Donghai Airlines to be its air cargo terminal operator at Hong Kong International Airport, providing hassle-free physical cargo handling services.

Ms Lilian Chan, General Manager, Marketing and Customer Service of Hactl said, “We are delighted to extend our warmest welcome to Donghai Airlines as our new customer. Chengdu, as a core city, certainly plays an important role in commerce and transport infrastructure development pertinent to the expansion of the central-western part of China. This freighter services to and from Chengdu will undoubtedly further enhance the seamless connectivity with Hong Kong. We keenly look forward to partnering with Donghai Airlines for mutual growth and expansion.”
Mr Zhou Yunda, Chief Executive Officer of Donghai Airlines said, “The launch of this new route aims to enhance the air cargo flow between Chengdu and Hong Kong, providing a better support to the post-earthquake rehabilitation works at the affected area as well as the re-engineering of the economic development of West China. We are very happy to partner with Hactl, with its excellent reputation on premier service with particular emphasis on safety, security and efficiency.”


Donghai Airlines Opens Air Cargo Service to HK
9 September 2008

Donghai Airlines launched the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Shenzhen freight routes today. This is the first time for Shenzhen Airport to open round-trip freight routes to Hong Kong. At present, there are in total 9 companies operating international air cargo business at Shenzhen Airport. Donghai Airlines will the 10th and it is also the only one that especially operates round-trip air cargo business to Hong Kong. It flies every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Hong Kong Commercial Daily News

Traffic at HKIA Slows in August
Press Release

(HONG KONG, 14 September 2008) — Passenger volumes at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) declined 5.3% in August 2008, to 4.2 million. Cargo throughput and air traffic movements shrank 3.9% and 0.5%, respectively, from August 2007, to 311,000 tonnes and 25,430.

While outbound travel by Hong Kong residents grew slightly in August, visitor traffic to Hong Kong slowed. Cargo exports and imports contracted, despite growth in transshipments to and from North America and the Chinese Mainland.

Stanley Hui Hon-chung, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said, “High fuel prices, rising inflationary pressures and global financial volatility exert escalating pressure on the aviation industry worldwide. These factors, as well as the tightening of Mainland visa applications due to the Olympics, contributed to lower passenger and cargo figures in August.”

“While the operating environment for the rest of the year will continue to be difficult, we remain committed to working with our business partners to equip the airport for long-term growth. For example, the expansion of DHL’s Central Asia Hub was completed recently and Cathay Pacific Services Limited has started construction of their new cargo terminal. We are also in the midst of a HK$4.5 billion terminal and airfield improvement program that will give us the capacity and facilities to take advantage of new opportunities,” Mr Hui added.

HKIA is also in the process of updating its master plan for 2030, which includes studies on environmental and technical feasibilities for a third runway at the airport.

For the first eight months of 2008, passenger volume, cargo traffic and aircraft movements rose by 4.7%, 4.5% and 3.6% over the same period last year, to 33.0 million, 2.5 million tonnes and 201,170, respectively.

HKIA saw growth for the 12 months ended 31 August 2008, with passenger and cargo throughput increasing 6.0% and 5.2% from 2007, to 49.3 million and 3.8 million tonnes, respectively. Air traffic movements rose 4.3%, to 302,340.

SIA lobbies for HK-New York fifth-freedom rights
16 September 2008
South China Morning Post

Singapore Airlines is lobbying the Hong Kong government for the right to fly from its home base through Hong Kong to New York because it believes the route is under-served and overpriced.

Only Cathay Pacific Airways and Continental Airlines serve the Hong Kong-New York route, between them providing three daily non-stop services.

In contrast, the Hong Kong-London route is served by five airlines offering 13 direct flights a day.

The Singapore government is lobbying for "fly beyond" or so-called "fifth freedom" rights on the route.

"Hong Kong and New York are two global financial centres. Connecting flights should offer the maximum convenience, competition and choice to passengers," the general manager of SIA in Hong Kong, Campbell Wilson, said last week. "We feel the market is under-served. When you compare the Hong Kong-London fare with Hong Kong-New York, the price to fly to London is much lower."

Cathay said it provided more than enough capacity on the route. "There is still plenty of space left in the front end on the flights, with average first-class loads this year in the low 50s and average business-class loads in the mid-60s," a Cathay spokesman said.

Continental Air country director of Hong Kong Wyn Li said the airline would consider adding more flights when demand was stronger.

SIA said it had no intention of undercutting fares if it was granted rights to fly on to New York, adding that new capacity would lift demand.

The extra competition would bring prices down and create benefits for passengers as well as the Hong Kong economy, Mr Wilson said.

The cheapest two-way ticket (tax and surcharges excluded) between Hong Kong and New York is HK$7,500 offered by Continental Airlines. The lowest price offered by Cathay is HK$10,000.

A round-trip ticket from Hong Kong to London, however, costs as little as HK$5,150 on Virgin Atlantic Airways and HK$6,050 on Cathay.

The flight time from Hong Kong to New York is three hours longer than the London service, but analysts say this alone cannot explain the price difference.

"I think Singapore Airlines has a strong argument on the route," said Damien Horth, a transport analyst at UBS, adding that the carriers could not add direct flights to the route because of a lack of long-haul aircraft.

Only certain aircraft can fly non-stop between Hong Kong and New York, such as the Boeing 777-300 ER, or the B777-200 ER.

SIA has several ultra-long-haul aircraft, with 18 B777-300 ERs in its fleet and another arriving next year.

Cathay has eight B777-300 ERs with 22 more to come by 2012 while Continental has 20 B777-200 ERs and eight more on order.

Whether SIA secures the right to serve the Hong Kong to New York route now lies in the hands of the Hong Kong government.

"We are prepared to consider any pragmatic proposal from the Singaporean side that could satisfy the market needs of both sides," said a spokesman at the Economic Development Bureau.

AirAsia to fly Bangkok-Hong Kong route from October
16 September 2008
Agence France Presse

Budget carrier AirAsia said Tuesday it would launch daily flights between Bangkok and Hong Kong from October as it continues to expand its network despite high oil prices.

The airline said it was also adding a second daily flight on its Kuala Lumpur-Hong Kong service due to strong demand.

"AirAsia has continued to buck industry trends with its rapid expansion plans," it said in a statement.

"The Hong Kong-Bangkok route will provide increased access to Thailand for the huge tourism market in Greater China."

As part of the launch, the airline said it was offering 5,000 free seats, although passengers must pay for administrative fees and fuel surcharges.

AirAsia has been bullish despite global economic jitters, but its balance sheet was hit in the three months to June, with net profits falling 95 percent due to high fuel costs and foreign exchange losses.

However, the airline's founder Tony Fernandes said in August that AirAsia was also benefitting from the economic slowdown as more travellers switched from full-service carriers to budget airlines.

HK-bound jet grazes another plane in Canada
20 September 2008
South China Morning Post

A Hong Kong-bound Air Canada jet grazed another plane from the airline minutes before taking off from Vancouver International Airport.

A Canadian transport safety official said the collision, which disrupted flights, was not a rare occurrence at the airport.

The wingtip of the Air Canada Airbus A340, carrying about 300 passengers, hit the tail of an Air Canada Jazz Dash-8 as it was taxiing to the runway for takeoff, Canadian press reported. The Jazz Dash-8, operated by a regional carrier, had about 40 people aboard.

There were no injuries to the passengers or crew on either plane in the collision, which occurred on the south runway shortly after 2pm on Thursday, but both planes suffered minor damage, Bill Yearwood of the Transportation Safety Board of Canada said.

"There was {hellip} no risk to the passengers or crew," he said. "The aircraft both returned to gates where passengers were disembarked and inspections could be carried out."

He also said it was not the first time a collision had occurred at that spot, and the accident was not due to traffic congestion. Means of preventing similar incidents would be explored, he said.

An Air Canada spokesman told CBC News it was unclear how the two planes had hit each other but an investigation had begun.

Stephen Budisa, a passenger on the Hong Kong-bound flight, said he heard a "crunching". He said the pilot and the crew did not tell passengers what had happened. "What was very obvious was the wingtip on the left-hand side of the aircraft had been ripped." He said part of the Jazz Dash-8's tail was crushed.

Pilots suspended over 'taxiway takeoff bid' Captain denies claims; investigations launched
20 September 2008
South China Morning Post

The pilot and co-pilot of a Hong Kong Airlines passenger plane have been grounded after they allegedly tried to take off from a taxiway rather than a runway at Chek Lap Kok airport.

An air traffic controller raised the alarm when he saw a South Korea-bound Boeing 737 carrying 122 passengers hurtling down a taxiway running parallel to the north runway at 4am last Saturday, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) said.

The controller radioed the pilot and alerted him in time for him to abort takeoff after about 500 metres and take off from the runway instead, investigators said.

Following the incident, managers have sent a memo and maps of the layout of Chek Lap Kok to all pilots reminding them: "Ensure you are on a runway before taking off."

The incident took place on flight HX2692, a charter flight bound for Cheong Ju and operated by seven-year-old Hong Kong Airlines, which - with sister airline Hong Kong Express - flies to 30 cities in Asia.

Indonesian captain Indra Santrianto and his first officer Diego Martin Chiadria, an Argentinian aged about 30, have been suspended from duty while the airline and CAD continue their investigations.

Mr Indra, who is in his late 40s, was summoned to explain himself last weekend and insisted in an interview and a written report to his managers that he did not try to take off from the taxiway, a management source at the airline said.

Instead, he is understood to have argued that he was travelling so rapidly down the taxiway for the early morning flight that air traffic controllers may have mistaken this for an attempted takeoff. Flight data examined by investigators showed the plane was travelling at a higher speed than would be expected for an aircraft taxiing towards a takeoff position, the source said.

Hong Kong Airlines was yesterday awaiting a report from the CAD and for details of recordings of conversations between the pilots and air traffic controllers.

A management source said Hong Kong Airlines was also taking steps to ensure all its pilots had practice in using taxiways at Chek Lap Kok before flying in and out of Hong Kong.

Taxiways at the airport run the entire length of runways but are narrower, have different coloured lighting and, unlike runways, do not have lights up the centre.

One senior Hong Kong-based pilot said last night: "There is nothing on board a plane to warn you if you take off from a taxiway or if you stray onto an active runway, and this is a problem that needs addressing.

"Fortunately, at Hong Kong, air traffic controllers have on-ground radar so they would be able to tell very quickly if a plane was trying to take off in the wrong place."

A Hong Kong Airlines spokeswoman said: "This case is currently under investigation by our management, so we can make no further comment on it at the moment."

The CAD said in a statement that despite the pilot's claims, it had concluded that the aircraft "attempted to take off at taxiway A instead of the north runway".

There was no danger to the aircraft or the passengers at any point, it said.

A CAD spokesman said there had been three cases involving pilots taking wrong turns into taxiways when attempting a takeoff. "Improvements to the lighting, taxiway signs and airlines' operations procedures have been implemented after the last two occurrences in June 2003 and May 2007," he said.

HK Airport Authority: 82 Flights Canceled On Typhoon
23 September 2008

HONG KONG (Dow Jones)--The operator of Hong Kong's international airport said Tuesday that airlines have canceled 82 flights operating to and from the city, as Typhoon Hagupit heads near the south China coast.

As of 1030 GMT, a total of 40 arriving flights and 42 departures have been canceled, an Airport Authority Hong Kong official said.

The official said a further 12 flights have been delayed as a result of the typhoon.

The Hong Kong Observatory issued the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal 8 at 1000 GMT Tuesday. Under signal 8, all markets, offices, schools and nonessential government departments shut down.

Hong Kong's two main airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. (0293.HK) and its unit Hong Kong Dragon Airlines Ltd., plan to suspend flights into and out of the city's airport between 1300 GMT Tuesday and 0000 GMT Wednesday.

"Strong winds associated with the typhoon are expected to exceed operational safety limits during the above period," Cathay Pacific said in a statement.

Cathay Pacific said its flights before 1300 GMT Tuesday will operate as normal.

The airline also said a number of inbound flights may have to be diverted to other airports in the region depending on weather conditions.

HK sets lower fuel surcharges for six airlines

HONG KONG, Sept 25 (Reuters) - Hong Kong's Civil Aviation Department said on Thursday it approved lower fuel surcharges levied by six airlines from Oct. 1 to Nov. 30, representing a reduction of up to 10-15 percent from the existing levels.

The new maximum levels of fuel surcharges will be HK$196 ($25.23) for short-haul flights and HK$832 for long-haul flights.

The airlines are Cathay Pacific , All Nippon Airways , Thai Air Asia, Saudi Arabian Airlines [SAUD.UL], Nepal Airlines and Jetstar Asia Airways. ($1=HK$7.770)

Shenzhen-HK Easy Flight Transit Service Launched

SHENZHEN, October 13, SinoCast -- The easy flight transit service between Hong Kong International Airport and Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport was formally launched on October 8, 2008.

According to the cooperation, those passengers from Mainland China planning to fly from the Hong Kong airport to other countries can take a stop at the Shenzhen airport where they can go through boarding procedures and then take a bus to Hong Kong. And those passengers in Hong Kong who want to transfer from the Shenzhen airport to the mainland can go through similar procedures in Hong Kong and then take a bus to Shenzhen.

Actually, the service has been put into trial operation since the end of this August, though no luggage-consignment is involved, a spokesman for the Airport Authority Hong Kong said in an in interview. "And as for the service, Shenzhen Airport Co., Ltd. (SZSE: 000089) is the sole partner of the Hong Kong airport in the mainland although the latter provides shuttle bus service with over 160 destinations currently." It is not the first time for both airports to launch easy transit service, pointed out the spokesman, adding that they joined hands to offer fast shipping transit service years ago.

There have been few such cooperation in China, said Li Xiaojin, a professor with Civil Aviation University of China. The Tianjin airport once reached an agreement with the Beijing airport on easy flight transit service. Counterparts in Chengdu and Chongqing also inked a similar contract. However, the service was brought to end for various reasons later. So the tie-up between the Hong Kong and Shenzhen airports over the easy flight transit service would not last long due to fierce competition among airports in the nation's Pear River Delta, forecasted Li.

Notably, a high-speed railway is planned to be built between the two airports. Presently, an expert team has been established by both sides to make a feasibility study on the proposal, said sources. And the feasibility study is expected to be completed within this year. It will take passengers as short as 20 minutes from Shenzhen airport to Hong Kong airport or from Hong Kong airport to Shenzhen airport after the completion of the railway, Amar Gill, an analyst with Calyon Securities Co., Ltd., said in a recent statement.

Thirty-two injured on turbulent Hong Kong-Bangkok flight: Thai official
2 October 2008
Agence France Presse

Thirty-two people were hospitalised Thursday after a China Airlines Boeing 747-400 hit severe turbulence en route from Hong Kong to Bangkok, a Thai aviation official said.

"The flight CI 641 from Hong Kong hit turbulence 20 minutes before landing and we have send 32 injured people to three nearby hospitals," Airports of Thailand president Seererat Prasutanont told AFP.

Among the injured were 21 passengers and 11 crew members, he said.

The airline disputed Thailand's toll, saying that only 21 people had been hurt.

China Airlines, Taiwan's leading carrier, said only two Chinese passengers had been hospitalised, while 15 travellers and four cabin crew received minor injuries.

Chaiwat Banthuamporn, deputy director of Bangkok's Smithivej Sri Nakharin hospital, where 20 of the injured were taken, backed the Thai official's version of events.

Chaiwat said most of the injuries were minor bruises and sprains.

"Eleven of the 20 have been discharged and only four are still under observation," he said. "Almost all of them are Chinese nationals," he added.

Thai officials said the plane was carrying 147 passengers and 11 crew while the airline said 163 passengers were aboard.

Fourteen of the injured were from Thailand, the United States and Israel, the airline added.

The plane, which had begun its journey in the Taiwanese capital Taipei Thursday morning and landed in Hong Kong for a brief stopover, finally landed safely at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport at 1:23 pm.

It was the second incident of severe turbulence for the carrier in less than two weeks.

Some 30 people, including one man who suffered a fractured spine, were injured on September 20 when another China Airlines jet hit severe turbulence en route from Taiwan to Indonesia's Bali island.

The plane was not damaged in the September incident and later returned to Taiwan, the airline said.

Hong Kong airport reports sharp drop in traffic
19 October 2008

HONG KONG (AP) - Hong Kong's international airport recorded a sharp drop in passenger and cargo volume in September compared to the same month in 2007, it said Sunday.

Passenger numbers for the month dropped 4.7 percent from September 2007 to 3.6 million people and cargo volume fell 7.5 percent to 317,000 tons, the airport said in a statement.

"The steep decline in traffic volumes in both passenger and air cargo clearly reflected a very troubled global economy," Airport Authority Chief Executive Stanley Hui said in the statement.

He said he expects airlines will scale back operations and postpone expansion plans.

"The aviation industry is expected to face even more difficult times in the coming months," Hui said.

The drop has been recent, and total passenger and cargo volume during the first nine months of the year remained higher than the same period in 2007.

Passenger volume jumped 3.7 percent to 36.7 million people and cargo volume rose 3.0 percent to 2.8 million tons, the airport said.