Longitudinal separation reduced to increase flight capacity
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Government Press Release

The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) has announced that as from today (April 5), the aircraft spacing on several airways in the Hong Kong Flight Information Region (FIR) over the South China Sea will be reduced from 40 nautical miles to 30 nautical miles in order to increase the capacity and efficiency on these airways. The new aircraft spacing will increase the flight capacity on these routes from Southeast Asia to Northeast Asian cities by 30 per cent. The reduction also benefits flights operating at the Hong Kong International Airport and dovetails with the CAD's plan for enhancing runway capacity.

The airways concerned include A1, A202, G581, G86, M750, P901 and R339. The spacing reduction has been achieved through concerted efforts of many states and civil aviation administrations in the Asia-Pacific region. The CAD, in conjunction with the Civil Aviation Administration of China, has for the past 18 months been pushing hard for the implementation of this initiative. In view of the reliable surveillance and communication systems as well as the accurate navigation performance of aircraft in the FIRs involved, all air traffic control authorities concerned have agreed to the spacing reduction so as to increase operational efficiency.

To prepare for the implementation of the reduction in spacing, the CAD has worked with air traffic control agencies in adjacent FIRs, including Sanya, Zhanjiang and Taipei, to enhance the air traffic co-ordination and communication procedures applicable across the common FIR boundaries. The enhanced procedures will ensure the continued provision of safe and efficient air traffic services after the reduction in spacing on the above airways.

The CAD will keep up its efforts to enhance airspace management efficiency and increase the capacity of air routes within the Hong Kong FIR to satisfy the continued growth of air traffic in the region.

Thinking HK will eventually need 4 or 5 runways.

Thinking HK will eventually need 4 or 5 runways.

I'm just wondering how they will be built...

In the sea

In the sea

But 2 more additional runways is, a lot my friend.

Unlike US airports, the number of flight movements out of HKG is relatively small as the aircraft used are generally much larger. So whether so many runways are needed at this point is questionable, but 3 seems right as the medium-term growth plan for now.

By 6862584 from a Hong Kong bus forum :

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p315/ate12345/9V-SPQ4.jpg

^^
I guess it's the first United's 767-300ER that got winglets?

Unlike US airports, the number of flight movements out of HKG is relatively small as the aircraft used are generally much larger. So whether so many runways are needed at this point is questionable, but 3 seems right as the medium-term growth plan for now.

Yeah, not too many regional jets at HKG.

Yeah, not too many regional jets at HKG.

Yeah, how many regional markets are flown out of HKG that you know? Then compare that to the number of regional markets in the US.

^^
I guess it's the first United's 767-300ER that got winglets?

Yes.

Yeah, how many regional markets are flown out of HKG that you know? Then compare that to the number of regional markets in the US.

Generally, even regional markets see larger jets. The smallest jets we see out of Hong Kong for regular passenger service are the A321/A320/E90's. I don't see turboprops or the really small Canadair jets. There are quite a lot of regional destinations, including Chinese cities, Taiwan, Korea, and southern Japan. Since traffic is so high, large jets are used. For example, Taipei sees 40+ flights a day, but airlines send a few 744's on the route (1.5 hours). Shanghai sees 25+ flights a day, but the smallest plane flying there would be an A321/A320. The A380 serves short hops to Bangkok (2.5 hours), Singapore (3.5 hours), Beijing (3 hours), and Seoul (2.5 hours).

LCQ17: Aircraft noise
Government Press Release
Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Following is a question by the Hon Ablert Chan and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Ms Eva Cheng, in the Legislative Council today (April 18):

Question:

In reply to my question at the meeting of this Council on March 16, 2011, the Government indicated that the Civil Aviation Department had, since October 1998, implemented a series of aircraft noise mitigating measures to minimise the impact of aircraft noise on the districts near the flight paths (including arranging for flights departing Hong Kong between 11pm and 7am to use the southbound route via the West Lamma Channel as far as possible, and directing flights arriving in Hong Kong between midnight and 7am to land from the waters southwest of the airport, so as to avoid aircrafts overflying densely populated areas in the early hours; requiring aircrafts approaching from the northeast to adopt the Continuous Descent Approach when landing, and aircrafts taking off towards the northeast to reach a higher altitude within a shorter distance; and banning aircrafts which have a higher noise level, as defined in the Convention on International Civil Aviation, from landing and taking off in Hong Kong). However, I have learnt that aircraft noise during the aforesaid hours still causes nuisance to residents of quite a number of housing estates, making it difficult for them to sleep. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) of the monthly data recorded in 2011 and 2012 by various aircraft noise monitoring terminals on aircraft noise levels which reached 70 to 74, 75 to 79, and 80 decibels (dB) or above during the aforesaid hours;

(b) of the types of aircraft the noise levels of which reached 80 dB or above last year and the names of their operating airline companies; and

(c) whether it will further enhance the existing aircraft noise mitigating measures to reduce the nuisance caused to residents in the districts concerned; if it will, of the details?

Reply:

President,

(a) The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) has 16 noise monitoring terminals. The aircraft noise events recorded by these terminals in 2011 and 2012 (up to February) by month are set out in Annex 1;

(b) the types of aircraft with noise events exceeding 80 decibels in 2011 and the operating airlines concerned are set out in Annex 2;

(c) To reduce the impact of aircraft noise on the areas in the vicinity of the flight paths, CAD has implemented a series of noise mitigating measures. Apart from those mentioned in the question, other measures include the following:

(i) to alleviate the aircraft noise impact on Tsing Lung Tau, Sham Tseng and Ma Wan, all aircraft taking off towards the northeast of the airport are required to follow the noise abatement departure procedures prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organization so as to reach a higher altitude within a shorter distance; and

(ii) only aircraft which have a lower noise level, as defined in Chapter 3 of Volume I, Part II of Annex 16 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation are allowed to land and take off in Hong Kong.

In addition, to mitigate the noise impact on Ma Wan, CAD had commissioned a consultant to study the current procedures for aircraft taking off at the Hong Kong International Airport to the northeast and turning south to the West Lamma Channel. The study recommended that for aircraft which can make use of the satellite navigation technology to follow a set of "Radius-to-Fix" turn procedures when making south turns so that the aircraft can follow the designated flight paths closely during the turn, thereby reducing the noise impact on Ma Wan residents. CAD has implemented the procedures on February 9, 2012 and is closely monitoring the implementation and compiling data to analyse the impact of the procedures.

Annex 1 : http://gia.info.gov.hk/general/201204/18/P201204180244_0244_92634.pdf
Annex 2 : http://gia.info.gov.hk/general/201204/18/P201204180244_0244_92633.pdf

Source : http://pic.feeyo.com/posts/561/5612110.html

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HKIA Sets New Monthly Record for Flight Movements in March
Press Release

HONG KONG, 22 April, 2012 – Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) set a new monthly record with 29,600 flight movements this March, which also represented 5.2% growth compared to March 2011. The previous record was set in December 2011 when the airport handled 29,300 movements. Year on year, passenger traffic grew 9% to 4.6 million, while cargo throughput saw a marginal decline of 0.4% to 368,000 tonnes.

The growth in passenger traffic in March was mainly driven by Hong Kong resident and visitor traffic, which registered increases of 20% and 8% respectively over the same month last year. Passenger traffic to/ from the Mainland and South East Asia performed particularly well.

The decline in cargo throughput last month was mainly attributed to the 4.5% year-on-year drop in imports. Exports registered growth of 3% while transshipments decreased by 3% compared to the same month last year. During the month, cargo throughput to/ from South East Asia outperformed other key regions.

Stanley Hui Hon-chung, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said he was pleased with HKIA's healthy growth figures in March. "In addition to the good growth in passenger traffic and flight movements, we have also seen an improvement in cargo performance despite economic uncertainty. Looking forward, we are confident about the outlook for air traffic performance at HKIA. With runway capacity at HKIA having increased to 63 flights per hour since late March, daily scheduled fights are close to 1,000 for the summer operating season. We believe passenger volume and flight movements are likely to sustain their growth trends, while cargo tonnage should continue to improve at a slower pace."

He added, "Apart from being the world's busiest cargo airport for the second consecutive year, HKIA has also become one of the world's 10 busiest passenger airports for the first time after handling about 54 million passengers last year. While we expect the number of passengers will further increase this year, we will continue to give our utmost effort in providing world-class service to passengers."

In the first quarter of 2012, passenger traffic registered a yearly 8% increase, reaching 13.6 million. Cargo volume declined 1.5% to 930,000 tonnes, while aircraft movements grew by 6.6% to 85,170 over the same period last year.

On a rolling 12-month basis, the airport handled 54.9 million passengers and 339,105 aircraft movements, representing year-on-year increases of 6.6% and 7.2% respectively. Cargo volume recorded a drop of 5.9% in the same period, amounting to 3.9 million tonnes.

Source : airliners.net (http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/trip_reports/read.main/214933/)

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Hong Kong Customs seizes cocaine at airport
Government Press Release
Tuesday, April 24, 2012

http://gia.info.gov.hk/general/201204/24/P201204240541_photo_1036727.JPG

Hong Kong Customs cracked a case of drug trafficking by means of internal concealment at the Hong Kong International Airport on April 20 and seized approximately 1,470 grammes of liquid-form cocaine with street value of about $1.65 million. A foreign man aged 43 was arrested.

The man arrived from Bogota, Colombia. Customs officers at the Airport intercepted him for baggage examination and personal search. He was escorted to hospital for medical check-up and confirmed by doctor to have foreign objects concealed in his body cavity. Subsequently he egested the cocaine seizure. He was charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and will appear at the Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Court tomorrow (April 25).

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.

Air cargo service firm seeks mainland boon
The Standard
Monday, April 23, 2012

Air cargo service provider ASR Holdings (1803) said it plans to expand its mainland business by building logistics centers and more than doubling its sales offices nationwide.

The company - founded by three Hong Kong-based airline veterans - listed in January. It now plans to increase its mainland sales offices by 2014 to 33, up from the current 14.

Also in the works is a logistics hub in southern China, which would boost cargo volumes and enhance ASR's pricing power.

"We also hope to develop an electronic platform to enable automatic booking by our clients," executive director Richard Mak Chi-hung told The Standard.

ASR contracts cargo space from airlines in bulk and resells to mid-sized couriers.

Chairman Sunny Yu Ho-yuen said a focus on emerging markets such as Eastern Europe, where competition is less fierce than other parts of the world, has served the firm well.

"By doing business for less-crowded airlines, we can sometimes become the sole distributor of cargo space for air flights, so we can command much better margins," said Niki Law Kai-lo, an executive director.

In 2011, ASR revenues grew by 23 percent to HK$603 million, compared with a 8.3 percent drop in the worldwide cargo market, Yu said.

By KH3743 from a Hong Kong bus forum :

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Skytrax World's Best Airports in 2012

1 Incheon
2 Changi
3 Hong Kong***

Best Airport by Size: >50M Passengers

1 Hong Kong***
2 Beijing
3 Heathrow


See Skytrax wed site for more info.

Hong Kong Customs seizes cocaine at airport
Friday, April 27, 2012
Government Press Release

http://gia.info.gov.hk/general/201204/27/P201204270584_photo_1036853.JPG
Eighty-nine pellets of cocaine seized by the Customs.

http://gia.info.gov.hk/general/201204/27/P201204270584_photo_1036852.JPG
Cocaine egested by the arrested person.

Hong Kong Customs prevented a case of drug trafficking by means of internal concealment at the Hong Kong International Airport on April 20. A foreign male aged 39 was arrested and approximately 1,246 grammes of cocaine in 89 pellets with a street value of about $1.4 million was seized.

The man arrested was from Bogota, Colombia. Customs officers at the Airport intercepted him for examination. He was escorted to hospital for a medical check-up and was confirmed by doctors to have foreign objects concealed in his body. He subsequently egested the cocaine.

The man was charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and will appear at the Eastern Magistrates' Court tomorrow (April 28).

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.

Wait.... again? =_=

Wait.... again? =_=

Quite a lot of these arrests lately at the airport, which appears strange as April doesn't seem to be a busy season for drug activity.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7136/7124390273_50bbfc8236_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tobylam/7124390273/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tobylam/7124390273/) by Toby Lam Photography (http://www.flickr.com/people/tobylam/), on Flickr

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Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tobylam/6978305632/) by Toby Lam Photography (http://www.flickr.com/people/tobylam/), on Flickr

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Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tobylam/6978305458/) by Toby Lam Photography (http://www.flickr.com/people/tobylam/), on Flickr

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Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tobylam/6978305136/) by Toby Lam Photography (http://www.flickr.com/people/tobylam/), on Flickr

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Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tobylam/6978304928/) by Toby Lam Photography (http://www.flickr.com/people/tobylam/), on Flickr

OFF 2 YYZ

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/4/8/5/2100584.jpg

^^ nice!!

http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4092/5023656784_f89284bda0_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/24953692@N02/5023656784/)
DSC05395 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/24953692@N02/5023656784/) by palmjet (http://www.flickr.com/people/24953692@N02/), on Flickr

http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4151/5023047767_200e486d16_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/24953692@N02/5023047767/)
DSC05399 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/24953692@N02/5023047767/) by palmjet (http://www.flickr.com/people/24953692@N02/), on Flickr

Incheon Airport named World's Best for 7th year
(Chosun Ilbo, May 25)


Incheon International Airport was named the world's best airport for the seventh year running on Thursday at an event attended by around 500 guests in Singapore. The Airports Council International, an organization of around 1,700 airports around the world, announces its Airport Service Quality ranking every year.

"Incheon International Airport now faces new challenges," ACI secretary general Angela Gittens told the Chosun Ilbo before the award ceremony. It scored 4.95 out of five points, but competition is intensifying, she said, as rivals benchmark its achievements.

Singapore's Changi Airport came second with 4.86 points, while Beijing Capital International Airport overtook Hong Kong's Chek Lap Kok International Airport for the first time to take third place. Beijing Capital ranked fourth last year with 4.67 points, but scored 4.82 points this year. In 2008, it expanded its passenger terminal to handle 82 million visitors a year. Incheon can handle 44 million visitors a year.

Incheon also faces increasing opposition from European airports. "This year may be the last time we award the best airport prize," Gittens said.

The ACI's Asia-Pacific board of directors decided at a meeting on Wednesday to stop awarding the overall prize next year because European airports complained that Incheon dominates it even though there are many outstanding airports in the EU. But ACI will continue to award prizes according to region and airport scale.



http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2012/05/25/2012052500650.html

'Slip' spins drama in the skies
The Standard
Wednesday, May 30, 2012

A "slip of the tongue" placed two passenger planes carrying about 600 people on a collision course in Hong Kong airspace two weeks ago, an investigation by The Standard reveals.

Instead of instructing an aircraft to descend to 36,000 feet, the controller ordered the pilot to drop to 26,000 feet, according to the Civil Aviation Department. But the error was rectified in time, just as the collision avoidance system of one of the planes was also activated.

A CAD spokeswoman said the May 14 incident involved a Hong Kong Airlines B737 bound for the SAR from Denpasar, Bali, and a Jeju Air B737 flying through Hong Kong to Bangkok from South Korea.

The controller, understood to be a non-local, intended to instruct the Hong Kong Airlines plane to drop to 36,000 feet but, due to a "slip of the tongue," said 26,000 feet. The Jeju Air plane was at 34,000 feet at that time.

After noticing the Hong Kong Airlines plane was passing through 36,000 feet on its descent, the controller immediately corrected the situation. The plane then ascended to the correct level.

During the process, the traffic collision avoidance system on the Jeju Air plane was activated, moving it to a lower level.

The distance between the two aircraft was 4.6 kilometers horizontally and 700 feet vertically - against the standard safe horizontal distance of 9.25km and a vertical distance of 1,000 feet.

But the CAD spokeswoman stressed there was "no risk of collision." She also ruled out fatigue as a reason for the incident.

"The controller had been off duty for 14 hours and had just commenced duty when the minor incident occurred," she said, adding the controller has been serving in the CAD for more than 13 years.

Former CAD chief Peter Lok Kung-nam said the two aircraft should have been within visual contact of each other.

"The danger was higher than usual but there wasn't any immediate risk of collision as they were not flying toward each other," Lok said.

This latest near-crash incident happened eight months after The Standard revealed that a Cathay Pacific plane and a Dragonair plane came within six seconds of a head-on collision, prompting the CAD to review its operation system.

A senior Dragonair pilot said yesterday the situation in the air traffic control tower "is only getting worse" since August, and that some of his fellow pilots are expecting an accident to happen soon.

The pilot said it is due to poor CAD management and the fact that many local controllers, instead of experienced foreign controllers, are hired.

However, Hong Kong Air Traffic Control Association chairman Ivan Chan Pui-kit said the situation has improved since August to what he calls a "satisfactory" level.

He also agreed the latest incident was merely a "slip of tongue."

How can two B737s accomodate 600 people? stupid reporters. :bash:

Beijing Capital International Airport overtook Hong Kong's Chek Lap Kok International Airport for the first time to take third place
I've been to both airports & i'd rate HKG above PEK. PEK is an amazing structure though.

Authority in the dark over runway social cost study
The Standard
Thursday, June 07, 2012

The Airport Authority Hong Kong is looking into the feasibility of conducting a study to find out the social cost of building a third runway.

But it has no concrete way of knowing how to go about it as it lacks a frame of reference.

"It is difficult for us to commit to something when we aren't quite clear what it is," Kevin Poole, the authority's deputy director of projects, said.

Poole's remarks came after the authority officially began the statutory impact assessment when it submitted a project profile of the third runway to the Environmental Protection Department last Monday.

Besides the statutory assessment and social cost study, the authority is also looking to determine the volume of carbon emissions from flights that enter and leave Hong Kong.

Tommy Leung King-yin, general manager of the authority's projects, said it is hard to gauge the cost of feeling sick because of pollution generated by the runway's construction.

"It will also be tough to keep track of the carbon emission over the airport's airspace because the pollutants can be blown into Hong Kong by the wind."

Although a non-governmental organization has conducted a study to find out the social cost of building an extra runway at London's Heathrow Airport, Leung said it is hard to just take that study's framework and apply it to Hong Kong. This is because Hong Kong and London are two different cities, he added.

That study, conducted several years ago, found the social cost of building an extra runway in London would be 5.5 billion (HK$66 billion). Another study conducted by the British government said the extra runway would bring an economic benefit of 5 billion.

Poole said that if the social cost study is to be carried out, he hopes it can be done in 2014 - the same year when the statutory environmental assessment is done.

Green Sense chairman Roy Tam Hoi- pong cast doubts on the authority being sincere about conducting the social cost survey. "Their attitude is that they are just doing it for the sake of doing it," he said.

Tam said if the authority is sincere, it should hire a consultant and pay an independent party to conduct the study.

He added that as far as he knows, no green group has agreed to work with the authority on its statutory environmental assessment.

How disappointing. China is still holding Hong Kong back.

It is such a lovely pl (http://www.4dplanning.com)ace, what a shame!

By JL8180 from a Hong Kong discussion forum :

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Cathay Pacific welcomes start of Environmental Impact Assessment process for third runway
28 May 2012
Press Release

Cathay Pacific Airways today (Monday) welcomed the start of the statutory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process for creating a three-runway system at Hong Kong International Airport.

“This is an important milestone for a crucial project that will ensure Hong Kong can continue to thrive as one of the world’s leading international aviation hubs,” said Cathay Pacific Chief Operating Officer Ivan Chu.

The project profile submitted by the Airport Authority to the Hong Kong SAR Government today gives an outline of the potential environmental impact of the project, covering a wide range of issues such as air and water quality, noise, marine ecology, fisheries, landscape and cultural heritage.

“We have no doubt that every effort will be made to minimise and mitigate the environment impacts and to address the concerns raised by the public,” said Mr Chu.

He also welcomed the setting up of special focus groups and community liaison groups to gauge public opinion on the project.

“For such a large-scale project, it is certainly important for the Airport Authority to engage the public and community groups at an early stage,” Mr Chu said.

Setback for runway planners in call for more information
The Standard
Tuesday, June 12, 2012

The Airport Authority has suffered a setback over its plan to build a third runway, as the government demands it should provide more project information before an environmental assessment can be carried out.

The authority said it received the request from the director of Environmental Protection on Friday, and the additional information should cover ecology, noise, health and hazards.

"The organization is firmly committed to fulfilling all the statutory requirements under the EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) Ordinance and will provide the requested information as soon as possible," an authority spokesman said.

The project profile is needed to outline how the authority should conduct an environmental assessment.

The two-week public consultation ended yesterday, with 209 sets of public comments received, according to the Environmental Protection Department.

As soon as the authority provides the additional information to the EPD, the authority will have to gazette its profile again. Another two-week consultation will be carried out.

Meanwhile, 12 green groups renewed their calls for a more detailed profile yesterday. They stressed that the profile is very important as it will determine how the environmental assessment should be carried out.

Clean Air Network's campaign manager Erica Chan Fong-ying said that the submitted profile does not mention three important pollution indicators that will be brought by the third runway construction - nitrogen oxide, fine suspended particulates and ozone.

"These have the biggest harm to human body," Chan said. "But they are completely not mentioned in the profile."

She pointed out these elements are essential because, for example, the pollution monitoring station in Tung Chung recorded the worst pollution of all the 14 stations in the city.

WWF's terrestrial conservation manager Alan Leung Sze-lun said the authority makes use of outdated figures to assess the runway construction's impact on Hong Kong's rare pink dolphins.

Leung said although the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department issues the number of dolphins in Hong Kong every year, the authority makes use of 2007 and 2008 figures in its profile.

"The number of dolphins was still quite stable in 2007 and 2008, but the number has dropped a lot last year," Leung said.

HKIA Sees Overall Traffic Growth in May
Press Release

HONG KONG, 17 June 2012 – Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) recorded growth in all three traffic categories in May 2012. During the month, cargo volume grew by 1.1% to 333,000 tonnes, registering the first positive year-on-year growth since March last year. Passenger volume surged to 4.5 million and air traffic movements reached 29,230, up 4.1% and 5% respectively from a year ago.

The growth in passenger traffic in May was driven mainly by visitor traffic which saw a 5% rise over the same month last year. Passenger traffic to/ from Japan and South East Asia performed particularly well.

The growth in cargo throughput last month was primarily due to a 3% year-on-year growth in exports. During the month, cargo throughput to/ from South East Asia outperformed other key regions.

Stanley Hui Hon-chung, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, was delighted by the growth in cargo throughput despite current market volatility. “Both passenger traffic and aircraft movements continue to perform steadily, while cargo volume recorded its first positive yearly growth in 14 months. Going forward, we remain cautiously optimistic and will continue to monitor closely the impact of economic uncertainties on the aviation industry.

"Since the start of this year, we have added eight new destinations to Hong Kong's air network. Far East Air Transport from Taiwan also started operating passenger services between Hong Kong and Makung at HKIA last month. With around 100 airlines operating flights to about 160 destinations worldwide, HKIA will continue to strengthen its position as an international and regional aviation hub offering a world-class airport experience," Mr Hui added.

For the first five months of the year, the airport handled 23 million passengers and 143,445 aircraft movements, up 7.2% and 5.9% respectively over the same period last year. Cargo registered a small decrease of 0.9% when compared with the corresponding period a year ago to reach a total of 1.6 million tonnes.

On a rolling 12-month basis, flight movements registered a year-on-year increase of 6.2%, amounting to 341,830 movements. Passenger traffic rose 6.4% to 55.4 million and cargo tonnage decreased 4.5% to 3.9 million.

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_MG_8923 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andrew1012/7413126776/) by Andrew1012 (http://www.flickr.com/people/andrew1012/), on Flickr

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Airport Authority Sets New Records for Revenue and Profit in
Financial Year 2011/2012
Airport Authority Press Release

(HONG KONG, 27 June 2012) – The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) announced that Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) set new records for both revenue and profit in the financial year ended 31 March 2012. Profit attributable to the equity shareholder went up 32.2% year on year to HK$5,336 million in fiscal 2011/2012, while revenue rose 14.8% to HK$12,154 million.

AAHK declared a final dividend of HK$3,900 million to the Hong Kong SAR Government. With the latest dividend, AAHK will have paid the Government HK$25,980 million in terms of dividends and return of capital since fiscal 2003/2004.

During the year, passenger volume increased 6.6% to 54.9 million and flight movements rose 7.2% to 339,000. Although cargo performance softened 5.9% to 3.9 million tonnes, HKIA remained the world's busiest international cargo airport, a position it has held since 1996. HKIA has also been ranked the third-busiest airport for international air passengers since 2009.

AAHK Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hui Hon-chung said he was encouraged that both revenue and profit have seen double-digit growth for two consecutive years. "The strong performance is a result of healthy traffic growth, and it is indicative of our on-going efforts to contain costs, enhance operational efficiency and explore every possible means to increase revenue by leveraging HKIA's growing passenger traffic."

Commenting on AAHK's financial position, William Lo Chi-chung, Executive Director, Finance, said, "In fiscal 2011/2012, AAHK grew revenue by 14.8% while containing operating expenses at 9.8%. This resulted in an improved EBITDA margin of 67.8%, which was up from 66.3% a year ago. Return on equity also saw year-on-year improvement, growing from 11.1% to 14.2%. This excellent financial performance, together with our AAA credit rating, has enabled us to efficiently finance our growth projects that will help meet the airport's forecast short- to medium-term traffic demand in a safe, secure and sustainable manner."

Mr Hui added, "All three of our air traffic categories in 2011/2012 surpassed our 20-year forecast by two to three years. In addition to its top rankings in international cargo and passenger volumes, HKIA has been the world's busiest cargo airport for the second consecutive year and, for the first time, a top 10 busiest passenger airport in the world. Although the sluggish global economic growth and the Eurozone crisis continue to cast an uncertain shadow over the global economy, we are confident in HKIA's long-term air traffic demand."

To meet its increasing traffic demand, the airport is expanding its capacity and facilities with short-, medium- and long-term development programmes. In 2011 AAHK launched a HK$500 million rejuvenation programme to upgrade HKIA's terminal buildings, airport facilities and operation systems. In addition, the HK$10.2 billion Midfield and HK$2.2 billion West Apron developments will enable the airport to meet its medium-term air traffic demand by adding a total of 36 new parking stands and a Midfield Concourse that will be able to handle 10 million passengers per year upon completion in 2015.

The long-term plan centres on expanding HKIA into a three-runway system. After receiving the in-principle approval from the Government this March, AAHK kick-started the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process by submitting the project profile to the Director of Environmental Protection.

"The project profile, the first step of the EIA process, is meant to set out the project scope and identify potential environmental issues that we foresee at this stage. We will carry out extensive, thorough studies on the potential impacts arising from HKIA's expansion into a three-runway system according to the scope set out by the Director of Environmental Protection in the EIA Study Brief. We are committed to full compliance with the statutory EIA process, and will explore every possible way to avoid, minimise and mitigate any environmental impact that may arise from the proposed airport expansion," Mr Hui remarked.

In terms of environmental performance, HKIA is on track to achieve its pledge to reduce its carbon intensity 25% from 2008 emission levels by 2015, currently standing at 10% below the 2008 readings. Building on many years of work to minimise the environmental footprint of daily airport operations, AAHK and 40 business partners made another pledge in May this year to make the airport the greenest in the world. More than 400 environmental initiatives have been devised to improve HKIA's environmental performance, covering areas spanning carbon reduction, waste management, electrification of the airside saloon fleet, reduction of electricity consumption and more.

Download the Annual Report 2011/12 : http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/media/publication/annual-reports-2011-12.html

Source : http://www.fotop.net/poon_jeffrey/Por_Kai_Shan

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^^Stunning!!

mind blowing pics :master:

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Awesome pictures! :cheers::cheers:

By je1672 from a Hong Kong discussion forum :

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Civil Aviation Department completes investigation on loss of standard separation incident on September 18, 2011
Friday, July 13, 2012
Government Press Release

The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) has completed its investigation on the loss of standard separation incident between an A330 and a B777 that occurred on September 18, 2011. The report has been accepted by the Air Traffic Safety Assessment Committee, which comprises air traffic safety experts from the aviation industry.

The report indicates that operations at the airport were generally manageable, but inclement weather in the Terminal Area airspace was causing flights to deviate and enter the Terminal West Sector airspace. Under the complicated airspace usage, flight operations and weather conditions, the Sector was overloaded and all usable flight levels were occupied within a short time. As a result, the A330 and B777 were assigned the same level to enter the Sector airspace. While the air traffic controller was busy handling priority aircraft deviation calls and requests for approach due to the bad weather, level change for the two aircraft was not effected in time and the controller had to issue avoiding turn instructions to both aircraft for separation. The airline reports indicated both flight crews had identified the other aircraft visually and normal turns were made without the need for a higher turn rate or bank angle. The report confirmed that there was no danger of collision.

The report makes a number of recommendations in respect of air traffic operations, air traffic procedures, flight crew and airline operations, weather forecast and communication with airlines under inclement weather. The CAD has thoroughly reviewed the required improvements and coordinated with airlines and the Hong Kong Observatory in taking actions on the recommended improvements. Among other improvements, new holding airspaces have been established, and enhanced aviation weather forecasts and flow management measures notifications are issued twice daily - in early morning and afternoon - so that airlines will have a better understanding of weather conditions and air traffic arrangements to and from Hong Kong International Airport for planning their flight operations.

Source : http://pic.feeyo.com/posts/517/5170996.html

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Source : http://www.hmlai.com/

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Source : http://pic.feeyo.com/posts/566/5667204.html

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CAD responds to media enquiries on safety issues concerning the third runway
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Government Press Release

In response to media enquiries concerning safety issues related to the third runway, a spokesman for the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) today (July 10) gave the following response:

"In formulating the Master Plan 2030, the Airport Authority Hong Kong in conjunction with National Air Traffic Services have developed and designed the position and alignment of the third runway and its associated flight paths (including approach, departure, and missed approach flight paths) in accordance with standards laid down by the International Civil Aviation Organization (reference document ICAO Document 8168), ensuring the "Obstacle Clearance" along the flight paths between an aircraft and ground obstacles shall meet the stipulated safety requirements. Flight procedure design experts of the CAD also endorsed the said design.

On flight path design, the current North/South Runway operation mode already enables maximum aircraft movements at the Hong Kong International Airport. Departing on the North Runway towards Tuen Mun will not increase runway capacity under the dual-runway system."

Source : http://pic.feeyo.com/posts/567/5671893.html

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Hong Kong claims 'world’s first' airport IMAX theater
AFP
Thu, Jul 5, 2012

With around 53 million people making their way through its halls each year, the Hong Kong International Airport has worked hard to offer distractions and attractions to weary travelers.

Add now to the seemingly endless array of shops and dining options add what management is claiming is the world's first IMAX theater at an airport, a HK$20 million (two million euro) complex that features the largest IMAX screen in Hong Kong - at an estimated 13.9 meters high and 22.4 meters wide - that from Thursday will be offering the latest blockbusters presented in the special IMAX format.

According to the theater operators UA Cinemas, the "crystal-clear images, laser-aligned digital sound system as well as immersive theater design" gives the audience the "most immersive movie experience" in either 2D or 3D.

Kicking things off at UA IMAX Theatre @Airport is the 3D version of the smash hit The Amazing Spider-Man.

United Airlines computer glitch leads to 1st big test of DOT rule on post-purchase price hikes
Associated Press
19 July 2012

NEW YORK, N.Y. - It was an airfare deal too good to be true: fly first class to Hong Kong for just 4 frequent flier miles and $33 in taxes.

Clearly, it was a computer glitch. But it's also turning out to be the first major test of the Department of Transportation's new consumer protection rules prohibiting airlines from "increasing the price after the consumer completes the purchase."

On Sunday, computers at United Airlines erroneously let passengers book flights to Hong Kong — or other places in Asia connecting in Hong Kong — in exchange for 4 miles, plus government taxes. Frequent fliers quickly shared the error on blogs and online chat rooms. Some, such as Ben Schlappig who runs the site One Mile at a Time, advised people not to call the airline, saying, "there's no need to bring further attention to this pricing."

A business class seat for a flight on United to Hong Kong goes for about $8,500 or 120,000 frequent flier miles; first class costs $10,250 or 140,000 miles.

Before long, hundreds, if not thousands, of fliers — the airline won't say how many — booked trips. United eventually pulled the plug and announced it wasn't honouring tickets already sold. People could get a refund without paying a penalty or have the proper amount of miles deducted. Anyone who had already started their trip would be allowed to complete their travel.

Several people who booked tickets complained to the DOT, which is now investigating.

"Our rule on post-purchase price increases applies to frequent flier tickets, particularly when they also entail cash payments," DOT spokesman Bill Mosley said via email.

There's one sticking point in this case: the cost advertised was actually correct. A ticket searcher initially saw a cost of 120,000 miles. It was only when customers went to book that the 4 mile figure appeared. And if customers had the full 120,000 miles in their accounts, that was actually deducted. Those with less had no miles deducted. All passengers were charged the appropriate taxes.

Mosley said the agency hadn't yet "reached any conclusions."

The maximum penalty per violation is $27,500 but the government has wide discretion in what amount to actual fine. DOT says each ticket sold by United could be considered a separate violation.

Susan Clarke, a 62-year-old retired teacher from Aiken, S.C., is one of the people who bought a ticket. She knew it was a computer glitch but booked a trip for March anyway.

"United just made a big mistake and needs to honour it," she said. "That was their mistake, wasn't it?"

But those who make a living off finding airfare sales say there is a difference between a good deal and taking advantage of a mistake.

"When a waiter adds up the check wrong in my favour, I let him or her know. When a clerk hands me back too much change, I give it back," said George Hobica, founder of AirfareWatchdog. "These fliers knew that this was a mistake, and they should treat an airline the same way they treat any other entity."

___

Scott Mayerowitz can be reached at http://twitter.com/GlobeTrotScott.

Source : http://pic.feeyo.com/posts/567/5670420.html

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Amazing!

Hong Kong Airport had 27.6 million passengers in the 6 months of 2012. Growing +6.9%

More info - http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/media/press-releases/pr_1072.html

Landing in Hong Kong (HD)

F4G76aAgSIw


n1H_osaPjRE&gl

Source : http://pic.feeyo.com/posts/567/5670420.html



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I love the Nordic Global Airlines livery... :cheers:

Budget airline Jetstar applies for Hong Kong licence
July 20, 2012 11:20PM
AFP

The Civil Aviation Department confirmed it had received an application for an air operator's certificate from the 50-50 joint venture between Australia's Qantas Airways and China Eastern Airlines, Dow Jones Newswires reported.

The application comes four months after the two airlines said they would launch a new Hong Kong-based budget airline aimed at cashing in on China's booming aviation market.

The application shows that the airline meets all "necessary regulatory requirements," and that "its principal place of business and centre of its decision-making is in Hong Kong itself", Jetstar said on its website.

"Jetstar Hong Kong is anticipated to add billions of dollars a year in economic activity for the city, as well as several hundred skilled jobs, by the time it reaches 18 aircraft in 2015."

Analysts in the Asian financial centre had expressed doubts that the airline could fulfil the requirements for a licence.

Qantas and China Eastern each have an equal stake in Jetstar Hong Kong and expects the new airline to have a capitalisation of around $US200 million ($193 million).

Jetstar Hong Kong, which will be a pioneer in the China budget market, is aiming to launch in mid-2013 with a fleet of three Airbus A320s.

Mountain fear raised on third runway plan
The Standard
Wednesday, July 11, 2012

A veteran pilot doubts whether government planners can get on top of mountainous challenges to a third runway at Hong Kong International Airport.

Retired Cathay Pacific senior first officer Jan Bochenski, with 21 years of flying experience, said he and many other pilots fail to see a way around problems unless there is a mountain-cutting plan.

The 957-meter Tai Mo Shan, the highest mountain in the territory, is in the middle of the flight path to the proposed third runway, Bochenski said, and pilots about to land will need to bank aircraft at a sharp angle.

But a towering concern, he said, is Castle Peak at 583m being in the middle of a third runway's essential escape route if something went wrong on landing.

He asked: "Is the government planning to cut down Castle Peak? Maybe." But how could a pilot face face such high ground if a plane lost an engine? This, he said, would be "impossible."

Even if all engines were functioning, Bochenski added, aircraft need considerable power to clear mountains.

He also said that if aircraft were to try to avoid facing Castle Peak this would crowd airspace occupied by those using the other two runways.

The Airport Authority has already discussed routes linked to a third runway with Britain's National Air Traffic Services.

An authority spokesman also said there would be enough "obstacle clearance" to meet requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Aviation passenger fuel surcharges lowered
23 July 2012
The Standard

The new maximum levels of fuel surcharges will be $219 for short-haul flights and $973 for long-haul flights, which represent a reduction of 8 per cent and 7 per cent from the current maximum levels, the Civil Aviation Department approved today.

Passenger fuel surcharges are reviewed regularly by the CAD. The last review was done at the end of June when the maximum surcharge levels approved by the CAD were $237 for short-haul flights and $1,043 for long-haul flights.

Customs seizes heroin at airport
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Government Press Release

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Customs officers yesterday (July 25) intercepted two male passengers departing for Sydney, Australia, at the Departure Level of Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 2.8 kilogrammes of heroin. The drugs were found packed around their legs and had an estimated market value of about $2.1 million.

The arrested men, aged 32 and 25, claimed to be a worker and a technician respectively. They were each charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and will appear at the Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Court tomorrow (July 27).

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is up to life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.

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By ck10299 from a Hong Kong discussion forum :

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HKIA Job Expo 2012 Opens
Providing More Than 5,900 Employment Opportunities
Press Release

(HONG KONG, 3 August 2012) – A three-day "Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) Job Expo 2012", co-organised by the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) and the Labour Department at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), opens today, showcasing more than 5,900 vacancies offered by over 50 companies of the airport community. It opens from 1600hrs to 2000hrs today and from 1100hrs to 1800hrs on 4 and 5 August. This is the largest industry-focused job expo co-hosted with the Labour Department in recent years.

HKIA is a major source of employment for Hong Kong. As the aviation industry continues to develop, it is in strong demand for talents of all levels. It perfectly matches the demand of Hong Kong's employment market, especially with the additional job seekers from the two batches of senior secondary school graduates in this unique double cohort year.

The vacancies at the Job Expo cover a wide variety of job types at the airport, including cabin services, aircraft maintenance, air cargo, airport security, cleaning, baggage handling, retail sales, technician, engineering, catering and property management.

Of the positions on offer, more than half are at the low-skilled and junior entry levels. Some only require education level of Secondary 6 under the New Senior Secondary academic structure, or Secondary 7 under the old academic structure or lower. Some of the vacancies are open to job seekers without any working experience. Monthly salaries range from HK$7,000 to HK$45,000.

Secretary for Transport and Housing Professor Anthony Cheung Bing-leung, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Matthew Cheung Kin-chung and AAHK Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hui Hon-chung officiated at the opening ceremony of the job expo today.

Secretary for Transport and Housing Professor Anthony Cheung said, "The HKIA Job Expo highlights the important role played by the airport in the local labour market and also reflects the strong demand of the aviation industry for local labour.

"The future development of the aviation industry and other sectors of the Hong Kong economy is closely related and reinforces each other. It is therefore vital to maintain and enhance Hong Kong's status as an international aviation hub because it is extremely important to Hong Kong's long term development. Aviation development and in particular, airport development, concerns everyone," added Professor Cheung.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Matthew Cheung said, "The HKIA Job Expo 2012 has attracted over 50 companies that are providing diverse services in the Hong Kong International Airport. It is a precious opportunity that over 5,900 positions are offered to job seekers of different background and interests."

Mr Cheung said the job expo was timely in providing not only job opportunities but useful employment-related information for the youths, noting that the Government had stepped up pre-employment training and employment services for secondary school leavers in this double cohort year.

Also speaking at the ceremony, AAHK Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hui said, "Given a buoyant job market in Hong Kong, the aviation industry is in constant demand for manpower. I believe this job expo serves as an ideal platform for our business partners to recruit right talents to cater to their operational needs.

"The prospect of the aviation industry is promising and robust. To meet the growth demand, we have started the HK$12.4-billion Midfield and West Apron developments, while planning to expand HKIA into a three-runway system. With these projects underway, the industry will continue to play a significant role in Hong Kong's employment market, and help nurture the youth workforce in Hong Kong," added Mr Hui.

Job seekers are also welcome to attend the 15 career talks given by some participating companies during the three-day job expo. The talks feature the latest information and career prospects about different sectors of the aviation industry, and will provide hints and tips for job seekers in navigating their career journey.

Information of the job expo is available at the dedicated website of HKIA Job Expo 2012 http://www.hongkongairport.com/jobexpo2012/eng/.

You guys seriously need to stop posting the drug seizures here. This is what? The third time? We all get it. There are idiots who don't learn their lessons. This will keep happening until natural selection weeds them out of our society, which is never. End of story.

Cathay Pacific welcomes Environmental Impact Assessment Study Brief for third runway option at HKIA
11 August 2012
Press Release

Cathay Pacific Airways welcomes the Director of Environmental Protection’s issuance of a Study Brief for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of a third runway at Hong Kong International Airport.

Cathay Pacific Chief Executive John Slosar said: “This is another important step forward in building a critically needed third runway for Hong Kong. As we have shared from the beginning, we believe a constructive community engagement will be able to identify and resolve any issues of concern. We are firm believers that economic development and environmental protection can go hand in hand for the betterment of Hong Kong.”

With air transportation playing a significant role in empowering Hong Kong’s economic success, Cathay Pacific has been a strong proponent of a third runway at HKIA. The airline has also stated that potential environmental issues surrounding the airport expansion must be explored and minimised. For its part, Cathay Pacific is continuing an aggressive fleet modernisation programme which helps reduce CO2 emissions, fuel usage and noise footprints. The airline currently has 99 new aircraft on order for delivery and will phase out less efficient aircraft as the new planes are delivered.

Cathay Pacific welcomes HKIA’s commitment to a comprehensive and thorough EIA process and looks forward to participating.

You guys seriously need to stop posting the drug seizures here. This is what? The third time? We all get it. There are idiots who don't learn their lessons. This will keep happening until natural selection weeds them out of our society, which is never. End of story.

Don't think you get what I've been posting.

26 July - Typically, screening is focused on inbound passengers. As long as the passenger doesn't bring explosives or other weapons onto the plane, I doubt security around the world would be interested to know a few bags of drugs are heading out. I doubt the metal detectors would've caught those, but somehow this one was caught and did not become Australia's problem.

24 & 27 April - Ingestion of drugs is nothing new but the scale is quite large at 1.25kg and 1.47 kg. It's not a miniscule drug haul by dumb amateurs.

By dc925 from a Hong Kong photography forum :

http://www.avbuzz.com/event/albums/album1208/1280_DSC_2431.jpg

HKIA Sets Records for Passenger and Air Traffic Movements in July
Press Release

HONG KONG, 19 August 2012 – Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) set new monthly records for passenger volume and air traffic movements in July 2012, handling over 5 million passengers – representing growth of 0.5% over July 2011, when the previous record was set – and 29,880 air traffic movements – representing year-on-year growth of 3.4% and breaking the previous record set in March 2012. Cargo volume saw a decline of 1.6% year on year to 335,000 tonnes during the month.

The growth in passenger traffic was due mainly to travel by Hong Kong residents, which saw a 6% rise over the same month last year. Passenger traffic to and from Japan and Taiwan performed particularly well.

Although imports grew by 4% in July, cargo volume declined primarily because of a 4% year-on-year drop in exports together with a 3% decrease in transshipments. Cargo activity with South East Asia outperformed other key regions.

Stanley Hui Hon-chung, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said, "We are pleased that both passenger and air traffic movements have once again set records, and we believe that the growth trend will continue in the coming months. Meanwhile, we will keep a close eye on the latest situation in the cargo market.

"As we develop the airport to meet its future air traffic demand, the entire airport community is also giving 100% effort to help handle the increasing amount of traffic we are currently facing. The Job Expo we recently held in early August attracted more than 10,000 participants over three days, and our business partners were able to hire qualified candidates to meet their operational needs. The prospects for aviation are promising, and we believe the industry will continue to play a significant role in Hong Kong's employment market and help nurture the youth workforce in the city," Mr Hui added.

For the first seven months of the year, HKIA handled 32.7 million passengers and air traffic movement reached 201,760, representing 5.9% and 5.4% increases respectively compared with the same period last year. Cargo volume amounted to 2.3 million tonnes, a slight drop of 0.2% compared to the same period last year.

On a rolling 12-month basis, the airport has served 55.7 million passengers and handled 344,160 flight movements, representing year-on-year growth of 5.9% and 5.5% respectively. Over the same period, cargo volume declined by 3.1% to 3.9 million tonnes.

26 July 2012
Press Release
Award winning Air Astana commences Almaty to Hong Kong service in August

With effect from today, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport holders can enjoy a 14 day visa free visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan and Kazakh nationals can similarly spend 14 days in Hong Kong on a visa free basis. The visa free agreement between the HKSAR and Kazakhstan governments was signed in May 2012.

Air Astana will launch a twice weekly flights between Almaty and Hong Kong service on 28th August, with the service to be operated by Boeing 757 configured in a 16 business class/150 economy class configuration. The duration of the Almaty to Hong Kong flight is 6 hours 10 minutes, while Hong Kong to Almaty flight is 7 hours 10 minutes. Passengers arriving in Hong Kong will enjoy convenient connections on partner airlines to southern China and south east Asia. For passengers arriving in Almaty, Air Astana offers a rapidly expanding network of international services to Russia, Central Asia and the Caucasus, as well as a host of domestic destinations.

The cost of an economy return ticket from Hong Kong to Almaty starts at US$792, including all airport taxes and other fees, and from US$2606 for business class.

“I’m confident that the combination of visa free travel and the launch of new direct services from Almaty to Hong Kong next month will result in major business and leisure traffic growth between these two exciting destinations“, said Ibrahim Canliel, Air Astana Vice President Marketing and Sales. “Passengers travelling between sophisticated, alpine Almaty and energised Hong Kong will enjoy Skytrax 4-star award winning service.”

泰航故障玩殘400客
2012年08月28日(二)
http://the-sun.on.cc/img/v2/logo_tsn.png

Synopsis : A Thai Airways flight (TG 638) from Bangkok to Hong Kong was delayed for some 6 hours yesterday. Originally scheduled to depart at 2pm, passengers were still on the ground past 8pm. The flight carried some 400 passengers, including members of a local football team. The airline did not provide any updates or even water during the delay.

http://the-sun.on.cc/cnt/news/20120828/photo/0828-00407-036b1.jpg
流浪球員重新登機後，顯得非常疲累。

【本報訊】泰國國際航空一班由泰國曼谷飛返香港的航班疑連番機件故障，原定香港時間昨午約二時起飛，但延至晚上八時後仍未啟航，包括香港甲組流浪足球隊二十九名職球員在內約四百名乘客上機又落機，折騰逾六小時，在候機室等候連一支水也沒有。流浪總監李輝立批評航空公司安排混亂，擔心延遲返港會影響外援球員註冊程序，打亂周末新球季首場賽事部署。另有同機乘客指，等候期間，航空公司幾近「零訊息」發放，包括嬰兒在內的搭客有被遺棄感覺。本報至截稿前未能與泰國國際航空方面聯絡，航班昨晚深夜飛抵香港。

流浪外援憂趕不及披甲

港人何先生昨晚在曼谷機場候機室透過電話向本報投訴指，指昨午近十二時抵達曼谷國際機場辦理登機手續，原定約二時起飛的泰國國際航空TG 638航班遲遲未見登機，在閘口苦等近兩小時終可登機，豈料在機上等得更耐，一等兩個半小時，期間機上廣播「一時話飛得，一時話唔飛得」，全機人最後竟要下機重返候機室，至昨晚八時仍未確定啟航時間：「航空公司一直無交代清楚，成班客只有等，仲有三十幾個小朋友同BB，一杯水都無啊。」

乘TG 638返港的還有上周二（二十一日）到泰國季前集訓的流浪足球隊，李輝立稱全隊二十九名職球員十二時抵達機場，遭遇與何先生類同，部分球員全日只喝了一支水或一件三文治，甚至有球員飲下機場的橙汁後腸胃不適，苦上加苦。

李擔心未知何時啟程回港以外，更透露隊中外援球員最遲要在新一季賽事四十八小時前註冊，憂慮若行程延遲太久會影響註冊，周末新球季首場聯賽可能無法上陣。

機場管理局網頁顯示，TG 638原定下午五時四十分返抵本港，但至昨晚九時只顯示航班延遲，但暫未能與泰國國際航空取得聯絡，至於乘客則於晚上近九時重新登機，再度等候起飛。

Source : http://pic.feeyo.com/posts/569/5692006.html

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Hactl welcomes another new customer - Air Astana
Press Release
29 August 2012, Hong Kong

Air Astana, the national airline of the Republic of Kazakhstan, has appointed Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) as the cargo ground handler for its newly-launched flights to Hong Kong.

The airline launched the first and only non-stop scheduled flight services to Central Asia from Hong Kong on 28 August, serving Hong Kong and Almaty (ALA), initially operating twice weekly on Tuesday and Friday using a B757 aircraft. Hactl will provide Air Astana with physical cargo handling and air cargo documentation services.

Air Astana's Oliver Mathwich, Director Ground Services says: "We are excited about the potential for our new cargo capacity to and from Hong Kong, and are delighted to have access to Hactl's impressive resources and the interline opportunities opened up by its large selection of handled carriers."

Adds Lilian Chan, Executive Director of Hactl: "We extend a warm welcome to Air Astana, which is the latest carrier to join our growing portfolio.

"In an increasingly competitive business environment, this appointment once again endorses Hactl's reputation for service excellence, achieved after many years' hard work."

HAECO confident on private jets
The Standard
Monday, September 03, 2012

Aircraft maintenance service provider Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Co (0044) is upbeat about the future of the local private jet market, which is expected to mature in the next two to three years.

"Private jets are a trend in airline business worldwide. They are very popular in the United States and Europe, and this trend will also take place in Hong Kong," HAECO chief executive Augustus Tang Kin-wing told The Standard.

Currently, the company is remodeling five private jets built by Airbus and Boeing.

"Customers require higher-end services on their jets. They pinpoint the color and woodgrain and even the chairs. Some want a bathroom or a bed in the cabin," Tang said.

Taikoo (Xiamen) Aircraft Engineering Co, in which HAECO holds a 58.55 percent stake, operates the only Airbus-approved private jet remodeling center in Asia.

HAECO will continue to look for new investment opportunities in the mainland TAECO recorded a 41 percent decline in net profit during the first half.

Tang said the firm's aircraft maintenance business remains stable at this stage, but is likely to be subjected to economic turbulence ahead.

In the first half, HAECO earned a net profit of HK$482 million, up 13.4 percent from the same period last year.

Anyone able to shed any information why a UA B737 is in HKG...???

Anyone able to shed any information why a UA B737 is in HKG...???

UA uses the 737 to run its shuttle routes from Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh City (2.5 hrs), Tokyo (4 hrs), Singapore (4 hrs), and Guam (5 hrs).

UA uses the 737 to run its shuttle routes from Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh City (2.5 hrs), Tokyo (4 hrs), Singapore (4 hrs), and Guam (5 hrs).

Cheers... So how many aircraft are based in HKG considering they operate 4 shuttle services...?

With the aircraft based in HKG does remain on the USA registry or HKG registry???

EK413

Cheers... So how many aircraft are based in HKG considering they operate 4 shuttle services...?

With the aircraft based in HKG does remain on the USA registry or HKG registry???

EK413
Not sure how many are actually based out of HKG, but the Ho Chi Minh, Tokyo, and Singapore flights are all daily.

Looking at the sole example on airliners.net, the 737 spotted in Hong Kong had US registration.

Source : http://pic.feeyo.com/posts/571/5712465.html

http://pic.feeyo.com/pic/20120906/201209061038334066.jpg

I like Virgin Atlantic's aircraft livery.

Smooth take-off
The Standard
Monday, September 10, 2012

A surprise visit from Santa Claus on board a plane in his childhood inspired Augustus Tang Kin-wing to pursue a career in the aircraft industry that has now spanned three decades.

Tang, 53, currently chief executive of Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Co (0044), has spent 30 years with the Swire Group.

He joined the aircraft maintenance service provider in 2008, following 26 years at Cathay Pacific Airways (0293), where he started as a management trainee in 1982.

"I used to dream of travelling around the world when I was a kid, and I developed a passion for aviation through influence from my father, who worked for HAECO before retirement," said Tang.

He recalled further hearing the siren call during an in-flight Christmas party, when Santa paid a surprise visit to the children high above the old Kai Tak Airport in Kowloon City.

Majority owned by conglomerate Swire Pacific (0019), HAECO is one of the world's leading aeronautical engineering groups, providing a comprehensive range of airframe maintenance, cabin reconfiguration, design engineering, freighter conversion, engine overhaul, and technical training.

Earlier this year, it won an international aviation industry award for its maintenance, repair, overhaul and after- market service.

Prior to joining HAECO, Tang served in various capacities with Cathay Pacific in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Japan, including a two-year stint with Cathay's associate Dragonair. He has been executive director at Swire Pacific since August 2011.

Married with two teenagers, Tang holds an honors degree in business administration from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and completed the Executive Program at Stanford University. But, by no means is he a layman in terms of engineering.

He equipped himself with extensive knowledge when he conducted aircraft evaluation at Cathay Pacific. He also became high-tech savvy by constantly reading training materials HAECO used to nurture its staff engineers.

The company recruits 800 to 1,000 staff per year, providing classroom and on-the-job training on aircraft engineering and maintenance.

However, he laments the younger generation ranking engineering as among its least desirable career choices, as it sometimes requires working in the hot sun or pouring rain when examining machinery outdoors.

Also, parents discourage their children from becoming engineers, due to the time-consuming career development and not overly high salaries.

In the SAR, it takes at least 12 years for a Form Five student to become a licensed engineer following training and assessment, Tang said. He added a graduate with an engineering degree still needs about another four years to obtain the licensed designation.

Brighter futures lie ahead, however, as vacancies for skilled technicians and licensed engineers globally are expected to reach 400,000 by 2015, according to the International Air Transport Association, Tang said.

In an attempt to encourage new blood to join the aviation industry, HAECO has teamed with local colleges to launch activities on campus, providing students with greater access to learn about aircraft engineering and the aviation industry.

"Looking for good partners and getting along with them is essential for business success," Tang said.

As for his own two sons, he allows them to choose their own career path, although they seem keen on aviation.

"They did not miss a second of the live program on China's space mission delegation's visit in August," Tang said.

Having travelled to numerous countries, Tang particularly appreciates Europe for its diverse cultures, especially street markets.

"I do enjoy carrying shopping bags, walking along the market and feeling the exotic culture. The way they arrange fish and vegetables is artistic."

At home, Tang can also be found frequenting local markets on holidays.

He and his family enjoyed a two- week vacation in Italy this summer, and he looks forward to the next time he can breathe fresh air in South America, particularly Brazil.

Tang said he has never thought of emigrating from the SAR even "for a split second."

He said: "I cannot find any other city as efficient and dynamic as Hong Kong. People here will never have to wait four or five days to get a water tap repaired like in Europe.

"And in this city, it also takes you only about 45 minutes' travel time to go from the noisy hustle and bustle to tranquil nature."

However, he said Hong Kong - one of the world's busiest air traffic hubs - should continue to improve its competitiveness, so building a third runway at Chek Lap Kok airport is essential.

"There are more and more flight delays in Hong Kong due to heavy traffic and over-saturation," he said. "Airlines can choose alternative landing cities if the situation continues worsening, which will weaken Hong Kong's role as a leading aviation hub."

The global economic turbulence has weighed on the air travel business, resulting in carriers reporting weak interim earnings.

And an industry slump trickles down to impact the aircraft maintenance business, as airlines tend to idle some of their fleets as demand wanes, Tang noted.

Usually, aircraft jet engines need overhauling every four to five years, at a cost of US$5 million (HK$39 million) to US$8 million per engine, he said.

Amid the global economic slowdown, HAECO is upbeat about the future of the local private jet market, which is expected to mature in the next two to three years.

The number of private jets in Hong Kong is growing robustly, with mainland institutions keen to invest.

"Private jets are a trend in the airline business worldwide. They are very popular in the United States and Europe, and this trend is taking hold in Hong Kong," Tang said.

HAECO is currently remodeling five private jets built by Airbus and Boeing.

"Customers require higher-end services on their jets. They pinpoint the color and woodgrain, and even the chairs," Tang said. "Some even want a bathroom or bed in the cabin."

For the first six months, HAECO posted a net profit of HK$482 million, up 13.4 percent from the previous year.

Source : http://pic.feeyo.com/posts/571/5712465.html

http://pic.feeyo.com/pic/20120906/201209061038334066.jpg

I'm sorry but the title "Queen of the Skies" belongs to the B747!!!

Passenger and Air Traffic Movements Set New Monthly Records
Press Release

HONG KONG, 16 September 2012 – Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) saw another busy month in August with passenger volume and aircraft movements breaking new monthly records for the second month in a row. Boosted by burgeoning demand during the summer holiday period, HKIA sustained the upward momentum in passenger numbers to reach a new high of 5.2 million and reported year-on-year growth of 3.9%. Flight movements hit a record of 30,470 as well, up 5.2% compared to the same period last year. Cargo volume also grew by 3% to 328,000 tonnes as HKIA approaches the busier months before the end of the year.

The growth in passenger traffic in August was primarily driven by a 7% increase in visitors over the year before. Passenger numbers to and from South East Asia and Japan performed particularly well.

A 3% year-on-year increase in export volumes led the growth in cargo tonnage last month, and cargo throughput to and from Japan and South East Asia outperformed other key regions.

Stanley Hui Hon-chung, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said, "It is very encouraging to see both passenger traffic and flight movements reach new heights at HKIA. We anticipate a steady growth trend in coming months as travel usually peaks at the end of the year, and in particular, during major festivals or holidays such as the Mid-Autumn Festival and the National Day Golden Week."

Mr Hui added, "Late last month, HKIA welcomed Air Astana, an airline from Kazakhstan, which launched a new twice-weekly passenger service between Hong Kong and Almaty. The addition of Almaty further expands HKIA's extensive network of air services covering more than 170 destinations worldwide."

For the first eight months of the year, HKIA handled 37.9 million passengers and processed 2.6 million tonnes of cargo, representing a growth of 5.6% and 0.2% respectively from a year earlier. Aircraft movements increased 5.4% to 232,245.

On a rolling 12-month basis, flight movements registered a year-on-year increase of 5.3%, amounting to 345,695 movements. Passenger traffic rose 5.7% to 55.9 million, while cargo tonnage decreased 2.2% to 3.9 million.

http://www.hongkongairport.com/pr_download/Aug2012e.pdf

Hactl bags “Ground Handler of the Year” Award
Press Release
6 September 2012, Hong Kong

Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) – the major air cargo handler at the world’s largest air cargo hub – has been voted “Ground Handler of the Year” at the Payload Asia Awards 2012. The award was one of 17 announced at a gala dinner and presentation ceremony held in Singapore on 5 September 2012 (Wednesday).

The new award scheme, organised by air cargo industry publication Payload Asia, is intended to spotlight and recognise air cargo supply chain organisations that have made a difference in the industry – with particular emphasis on market adeptness, innovative products and superior strategy.

Enterprises were nominated online by Payload Asia readers, following shortlisting of candidates in each category by an independent panel of expert judges. Having polled the most votes in its category, Hactl was named “Ground Handler of the Year” in recognition of its operational excellence, customer service and product innovations, competitive services and cost structure, and scope of service offerings.

Speaking after the awards, Hactl Managing Director Mark Whitehead said: “We are very honoured to have received the award for “Ground Handler of the Year” in this, the first year of the Payload Asia Awards, and I convey my sincere thanks to all those who voted for Hactl. This award is a welcome recognition of our continuing efforts to provide handling services of the highest possible calibre.

“Through 36 years of hard work, investment and innovation, Hactl has played an integral role in Hong Kong’s rise to become the world’s top cargo hub. Whatever the future challenges for the industry, our community can rest assured that we remain totally committed to maintaining our airport’s standing as the global model for air cargo efficiency.”

Source : http://pic.feeyo.com/posts/571/5717689.html

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Green groups see red over runway snub
The Standard
Thursday, September 20, 2012

The Airport Authority has decided against embarking on a study to estimate the intangible social impact that a third runway will have on society, as demanded by environmental activists.

It will instead carry out a study according to World Bank and European Union standards to estimate the social and environmental impact of the runway.

That decision was to have been communicated to the activists in a meeting yesterday, but they saw red once they caught wind of what was in the air and refused to show up.

The study will be on top of the environmental impact assessment that is due to start this month.

The EIA is mandatory under the law to assess the effect of the runway on air quality, noise, marine ecology and fisheries and Chinese white dolphins.

Authority corporate development executive director Wilson Fung Wing-yip said the social return on the investment approach that green groups want adopted is mostly used for small-scale community or charity projects and unsuitable for large infrastructure developments.

"The methodology is usually used by volunteers and non-profit sectors and its indicators can be subjective," said Fung, reiterating there is no single method for evaluating social and environmental impact.

Plans to build a third runway at London's Heathrow Airport were shelved in 2010 largely because a social return study showed that the impact on people living near the airport outweighed the economic benefits.

Fung said the authority believes the World Bank and European Union standards offer a more comprehensive assessment of the social and environment impact of the project.

In addition to air quality and noise, which will be covered in the EIA, the World Bank methodology also covers the impact on climate change, utility relocation, resettlements and accidents.

Fung said the authority will complete the study as well as the EIA in two years.

Greeners Action chief executive Angus Ho Hon-wai was among those furious with the decision.

"They are showing a lack of commitment to a wider public consultation and refusing to provide more concrete information," said Ho, adding that his group is planning joint countermeasures with other green activists.

Friends of the Earth senior environmental affairs officer Melanie Chau Yuet-cheung said she fears the authority is refusing to commit to returning anything to community.

Myanmar int'l airline to fly to Hong Kong later this year

YANGON, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's national carrier, the Myanmar Airways International (MAI), will launch direct flight from Yangon to China's Hong Kong before the end of this year, according to airline sources Monday.

Using A320, the Yangon-Hong Kong route will operate three times a week, the sources said, adding that the date of its maiden flight has not been set yet.

While operating chartered flights also, MAI is giving priority to flying regional destinations and then European's.

MAI has extended its regular flight to Gaya of India, Guangzhou of China, Bangkok of Thailand, Singapore and Bangkok-Singapore- Bangkok while two new air routes -- Mandalay-Bangkok-Mandalay and Mandalay-Gaya-Mandalay are being extended in October and November.

At present, MAI is flying to five countries with six Airbus A320, transporting 500,000 passengers annually.

Meanwhile, five more foreign airlines, Dragon Air, EVA Air, All Nippon Airways, Singapore Airlines, Germany based Condor Airlines and Trans Asia Airways are preparing to fly Myanmar in addition to the existing foreign ones.

At present, there are 15 foreign airlines flying Yangon, of which Korean Air was launched in September, while Qatar Airways in October as the latest.

MAI is known as a joint venture between the state-owned Myanmar Airways and the private Royal Myanmar Transport Co., which was transformed from that with a Singapore-based company -- Jester Asia in 1993.

The share of the Jester Asia was taken up by the Royal Myanmar Transport Co.

In addition to the 64-year-old state-operated domestic Myanma Airways (MA), there are also five other private-run domestic airlines in Myanmar, namely Air Mandalay, Yangon Airways, Air Bagan, Asian Wings and Air Kanbawza.

Hong Kong International Airport Clinches TTG Travel Awards-"Best Airport" for the 10th Time
Airport Authority Press Release

HONG KONG, 7 October 2012 – Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has once again been named the world's "Best Airport" at the annual TTG Travel Awards - an award it has claimed every year since 2002, except in 2003 when the awards were not held.

Stanley Hui Hon-chung, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said he was delighted that HKIA has built such a solid reputation as a leading international airport. "It's a great honour to be recognised as the world's best airport again by TTG readers. Clinching the award for ten years proves that HKIA has achieved an exceptionally consistent delivery of high quality service.

"The award, given to HKIA by TTG readers, is a great testament to the tireless efforts of our 65,000-strong workforce in the airport community, who strives to offer an enjoyable airport experience to the ever-growing volume of passengers. We will continue to upgrade our facilities and services to ensure pleasant and seamless journeys for all travellers using HKIA," Mr Hui added.

The TTG Travel Awards 2012 were voted by over 60,000 readers of TTG's print and online publications between June and August of this year. These include TTG Asia, TTG China, TTG India, TTGmice, TTG-BTmice China, TTG Asia e-Daily, www.ttgasia.com, www.ttgchina.com, www.ttgmice.com and planner.ttgmice.com. The Awards have been held every year since 1989, with the exception of 2003 due to the SARS epidemic.

^^

What are the criteria which are looked at when choosing the best airport.

^^

What are the criteria which are looked at when choosing the best airport.

Perhaps the methodology is here : http://www.ttgasia.com/ttg-awards/winners11.php

Late night flight from HKG to eastern Russia :

http://www.globalphotos.org/dubai/20111231/IMG_5399.jpg

Late night flight from HKG to eastern Russia :



Do they even get passengers to vladivostok?

Do they even get passengers to vladivostok?

It looks like XF (Vladivostok Airlines) does indeed fly to VVO. And possibly KHV.

Do they even get passengers to vladivostok?

Since Russia granted Hong Kong passport holders visa-free access a few years ago, tours to Vladivostok opened up, although most go through Harbin at the moment.

Since Russia granted Hong Kong passport holders visa-free access a few years ago, tours to Vladivostok opened up, although most go through Harbin at the moment.

Oh wow. But that means HK residents need a transit visa to travel through China, true?

Oh wow. But that means HK residents need a transit visa to travel through China, true?

But HK residents don't even need a passport to enter mainland China - they use a Homeland Returning Pass.

But HK residents don't even need a passport to enter mainland China - they use a Homeland Returning Pass.

Oh. And how long is that pass valid for stays in China?

Oh. And how long is that pass valid for stays in China?

If you are over 18, it's good for a decade if I am not mistaken.

If you are over 18, it's good for a decade if I am not mistaken.

Oh wow. Now that could be a good thing if people were born in Hong Kong. But there are so many domestic helpers and laborers in Hong Kong, so it may be hard to get citizenship to start with.

Anyways, I'm wondering if and when BA will start its A380 service to HKG since it could mean consolidating its 2x daily flights into one...?

Oh wow. Now that could be a good thing if people were born in Hong Kong. But there are so many domestic helpers and laborers in Hong Kong, so it may be hard to get citizenship to start with.

Anyways, I'm wondering if and when BA will start its A380 service to HKG since it could mean consolidating its 2x daily flights into one...?

Domestic helpers are not eligible for citizenship in Hong Kong because they get work visas. There was a big legal battle earlier in the year about this. Otherwise, you need to immigrate to Hong Kong and stay for 7 years to get citizenship.

I doubt BA will further reduce their HKG frequencies. They have a huge front cabin for business passengers, who want frequency, rather than capacity.

Domestic helpers are not eligible for citizenship in Hong Kong because they get work visas. There was a big legal battle earlier in the year about this. Otherwise, you need to immigrate to Hong Kong and stay for 7 years to get citizenship.

I doubt BA will further reduce their HKG frequencies. They have a huge front cabin for business passengers, who want frequency, rather than capacity.

Ah really? That's really good news. I think that's a reason why for a long time, BA routed its flight to MNL via HKG (as BA 031/032)... HKG is a very popular business destination indeed, thus a sizable number of business passengers.

Yeah with Emirates' 5 daily operated with A380 in LHR you want to think twice about reducing the frequencies.

Yeah with Emirates' 5 daily operated with A380 in LHR you want to think twice about reducing the frequencies.

True. But LHR-HKG is a long-haul flight of its own... and it is still part of the coveted Kangaroo Route to Australia. I then understand now why European airlines don't want to fly direct to Manila and instead direct their flights to HKG... As a result, near-hourly flights are made between MNL and HKG. Yet, I believe that provides inconvenience to travelers since transfer times can be long, and it shows how HKG is indeed far advanced than MNL.

Do they even get passengers to vladivostok?

XF has 2 flightd per week on VVO-HKG route, while S7 is going to increase the number of flights up to 3 weekly on the same route (now they also have 2).
And HKG is very popular destination in Russan Far East as for business so as for tourism.

TG A380 @ HKG

Source : http://pic.feeyo.com/posts/573/5733400.html

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TG A380 @ HKG

Source : http://pic.feeyo.com/posts/573/5733400.html



That TG A380 -- as well as the CZ A380 -- looks really shiny. And right next to each other too.

XF has 2 flightd per week on VVO-HKG route, while S7 is going to increase the number of flights up to 3 weekly on the same route (now they also have 2).
And HKG is very popular destination in Russan Far East as for business so as for tourism.

Maybe that could be a target market for the Philippines because we have a tourism campaign right now that is looking forward to bringing in 10 million tourists by 2016.

Source : http://pic.feeyo.com/posts/573/5731297.html

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Thai Lounge
Source : http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/trip_reports/read.main/227434/

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Airport charges scheme proposed by Airport Authority to be gazetted
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Government Press Release

The Scheme of Airport Charges proposed by the Airport Authority will be gazetted on October 19 and come into force on January 1 next year.

A spokesman for the Transport and Housing Bureau said today (October 16), "The Scheme aims to extend the existing New Destination Incentive Arrangement for two years to December 31, 2014, to encourage airlines to continue to launch new routes. The opportunity is also taken to increase the parking charges for the Business Aviation Designated Apron Area."

"The extended Arrangement will encourage the airlines to introduce new routes which further enhance the connectivity of Hong Kong. This will in turn benefit our civil aviation and tourism industries and will strengthen our position as an international hub in the region. As regards the parking charges for the Business Aviation Designated Apron Area, the adjustment is based on the 'user pays' principle, taking into account the capital cost of providing the parking stand, the maintenance cost and the estimated chargeable hours."

The Board of Airline Representatives in Hong Kong (which represents most of the airlines operating in Hong Kong) and the Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre (which is the operator of the business aviation facility at the airport) have been consulted. The Board of Airline Representatives in Hong Kong supported the extension of the New Destination Incentive Arrangement while the Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre did not raise objections to the increase in parking charges for business aviation.

The existing Arrangement will expire on December 31, 2012. Under the extended Arrangement, the Authority will continue to offer airlines a 75 per cent rebate on landing charges for flights between Hong Kong and a new destination for the first six months after the route is launched, and a 25 per cent rebate for the next six months.

The parking charges for the Business Aviation Designated Apron Area have not been adjusted since the airport opened in 1998 and are very low compared to other parking areas at HKIA. The parking charges will be increased in phases based on the user pays principle.

Suspected theft of airport laptops raises data fears
The Standard
Friday, October 19, 2012

The Immigration Department has formed a special task force to probe the suspected theft of three laptop computers containing the personal data of 3,000 visitors.

The Airport Division received the loss report on Wednesday.

The laptops were taken from the immigration control duty room which airport staff and tourists can easily access.

They were attached to a scanning system used to record the identity details of suspicious tourists entering Hong Kong.

A department spokesman said the incident is an isolated one and the current handling procedures will be reviewed to ensure the protection of personal data.

The special task force will be headed by the deputy director of immigration, Jennifer Chung Lam Wai.

It has been told to submit a report to Director of Immigration Eric Chan Kwok-ki within three months complete with recommendations on how to prevent further incidents.

The three laptops were part of a standalone operation and were not connected to other computer systems run by the department.

The spokesman stressed the data is encrypted and password-protected.

The department will find an alternative way to follow up on individual visitors who are affected.

The spokesman said the department has strengthened security measures pertaining to the system.

The settings of the server have been updated to prevent uploading of any information to other computers in the Immigration Department.

Frontline staff members have been reminded to strictly follow guidelines on security and to ensure the proper handling and protection of personal data.

Secretary for Security Lai Tung- kwok expressed concern, saying he has instructed the department to cooperate with the police investigation.

When asked whether the incident is serious, Legislative Council panel on security chairman Ip Kwok-him said the loss of the laptops has been reported to police and he hopes they can find out the truth as soon as possible.

Though the department said there is little possibility the data will be exposed, Ip believes computer experts may easily obtain the information.

Air Traffic Continues to Increase in September
Press Release

(HONG KONG, 21 October 2012) – Traffic at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) sustained healthy growth in September with passenger trips amounting to 4.4 million and cargo volume totalling 347,000 tonnes, representing increases of 1.3% and 6.8% respectively compared to the same period last year. Air traffic movements for the month rose 4.1% to 28,850.

The growth in passenger traffic in September, while slower than previous months, was driven mainly by Hong Kong resident travel, which saw an 11% rise over the same month last year. Passenger traffic to and from the Chinese Mainland and Taiwan performed particularly well.

The growth in cargo throughput last month was a strong rebound from the decline in cargo throughput since April 2011. The increase was primarily due to a 7% year-on-year growth in exports. The strong rebound in cargo throughput is also consistent with the strong rebound in trade in September. During the month, cargo throughput to and from North America and South East Asia outperformed other key regions.

Stanley Hui Hon-chung, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said, "All three air traffic categories maintained growth momentum during the month. It is particularly pleasing to see year-on-year increases in cargo throughput over the last two consecutive months. We remain optimistic about cargo demand and we are confident that HKIA's long-term performance remains promising, and the airport is well positioned to continue contributing to the economy and prosperity of Hong Kong.

"It is also worth noting that airport operations were smooth and efficient during the busy National Day Golden Week. Cross-boundary coaches and limousines carried nearly 8,500 passengers from HKIA to the Chinese Mainland on 7 October, setting a new daily record. About 10,000 travellers took the SkyPier ferries between HKIA and the Pearl River Delta / Macao on 1 October."

The winter flight schedule would come into effect at the end of October. According to the winter schedule, the average daily scheduled flights in HKIA would reach around 1,000.

In the first three quarters of 2012 HKIA has recorded 42.2 million passenger trips, 2.9 million tonnes of cargo and 261,110 flight movements, representing year-on-year increases of 5.1%, 0.9% and 5.3% respectively.

On a rolling 12-month basis, the airport's passenger throughput rose 5.3% to 56 million and aircraft movements went up 5.2% to 346,840. Cargo volume declined 1.1% to 4 million tonnes.

TG's first A380 flight to Hong Kong
Source : http://pic.feeyo.com/posts/572/5727390.html

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The Cabin
By matthandy from flyertalk :

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Hactl announces tonnage throughput for Q3 2012
Press Release
(17 October 2012, Hong Kong)

A strong September 2012 result for Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) – the major air cargo handler at the world’s largest air cargo hub – has seen the company pull ahead by the best year-on-year growth since January 2011.

Exports in the month were up 2.0% at 123,343 tonnes – the best increase since the post Chinese New Year bounce of March 2012. Imports were up 9.3% at 58,264 tonnes – the best growth since January 2012. Transhipments meanwhile were up 13.6% on 2011 at 56,154 tonnes, continuing the strong trend of the past year. The month’s total of 237,761 tonnes was the highest monthly throughput since March, and additionally marked the best year-on-year growth (6.3%) since February.

The third quarter of 2012 saw Hactl handle a total of 697,791 tonnes – the strongest quarter of 2012 so far, and the second highest result since the final three months of 2010’s bumper year.

Results for 2012 to date were also positive: the cumulative January-September total of 2,023,293 tonnes was 0.7% up on the same period of 2011 – marking the best year-on-year cumulative growth recorded in any month since January 2011.

Says Lilian Chan, Executive Director of Hactl: “2012 continues to look positive, and to show better results than we originally anticipated. The figures for the second and third quarters are very encouraging, and the totals for the year so far would be even stronger had it not been for a disappointing start to 2012.

“Exports from China are proving more resilient than many predicted, imports are looking better again, and transhipments continue to play an increasingly important part in our overall throughput, endorsing Hong Kong’s growing role as Asia’s cargo hub.

“Barring unforeseeable events, 2012 should end better than expected. The slow but steady recovery in our figures also gives us reason to believe that 2013 trends should continue positively, and that we are back to sustained – if modest - overall industry growth again.”

She concludes: “With the progressive switch of our largest customer to self-handling throughout 2013, it is good to see organic growth among our other carriers, which we believe should continue next year. With initiatives such as the development of our Hacis road feeder operations, and the recent launch of our development and professional services business HACTL Development Holdings Limited (HDHL), we are well prepared for the important task of creating new revenue sources in 2013.”

Hactl announces tonnage throughput for Q3 2012
Press Release
(17 October 2012, Hong Kong)

A strong September 2012 result for Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) – the major air cargo handler at the world’s largest air cargo hub – has seen the company pull ahead by the best year-on-year growth since January 2011.

Exports in the month were up 2.0% at 123,343 tonnes – the best increase since the post Chinese New Year bounce of March 2012. Imports were up 9.3% at 58,264 tonnes – the best growth since January 2012. Transhipments meanwhile were up 13.6% on 2011 at 56,154 tonnes, continuing the strong trend of the past year. The month’s total of 237,761 tonnes was the highest monthly throughput since March, and additionally marked the best year-on-year growth (6.3%) since February.

The third quarter of 2012 saw Hactl handle a total of 697,791 tonnes – the strongest quarter of 2012 so far, and the second highest result since the final three months of 2010’s bumper year.

Results for 2012 to date were also positive: the cumulative January-September total of 2,023,293 tonnes was 0.7% up on the same period of 2011 – marking the best year-on-year cumulative growth recorded in any month since January 2011.

Says Lilian Chan, Executive Director of Hactl: “2012 continues to look positive, and to show better results than we originally anticipated. The figures for the second and third quarters are very encouraging, and the totals for the year so far would be even stronger had it not been for a disappointing start to 2012.

“Exports from China are proving more resilient than many predicted, imports are looking better again, and transhipments continue to play an increasingly important part in our overall throughput, endorsing Hong Kong’s growing role as Asia’s cargo hub.

“Barring unforeseeable events, 2012 should end better than expected. The slow but steady recovery in our figures also gives us reason to believe that 2013 trends should continue positively, and that we are back to sustained – if modest - overall industry growth again.”

She concludes: “With the progressive switch of our largest customer to self-handling throughout 2013, it is good to see organic growth among our other carriers, which we believe should continue next year. With initiatives such as the development of our Hacis road feeder operations, and the recent launch of our development and professional services business HACTL Development Holdings Limited (HDHL), we are well prepared for the important task of creating new revenue sources in 2013.”

Who was the largest customer?

Who was the largest customer?

http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=2&art_id=7413&sid=5815497&con_type=1

Thursday, December 08, 2005

Cathay Pacific Airways, the biggest client of Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Ltd, plans to set up a rival cargo terminal capacity at Hong Kong International Airport to deal with the airline's rapid growth in cargo volume, a source said.

Airport drama as conveyor-belt suitcases burn
The Standard
Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Two suitcases on a conveyor belt at Hong Kong International Airport were damaged in a blaze that was quickly dealt with by staff using extinguishers.

An Airport Authority spokesman said one suitcase burst into flames and this led to the other catching fire.

Airport operations were not affected.

A preliminary investigation revealed that one of the cases was carrying an inflammable liquid. The incident is not being treated as suspicious, police said.

A Cathay Pacific spokeswoman confirmed the two suitcases belonged to passengers who had checked in for a flight.

The case that burst into flames has been passed on to the police and fire services for investigation.

Meanwhile, 650 students at St Stephen's Girls' Primary School, Mid- Levels, were evacuated after a utility room blaze, which was put out in 13 minutes by firefighters.

Initial investigations indicate that water was being boiled inside the room.

There were no injuries.

Looks like a new African carrier will be flying out of Abu Dhabi as a codeshare (supposedly, the flight comes in from Mahe): Air Seychelles will start operating between AUH and HKG, using its newest A330. Etihad Airways will be codesharing on this route. Details:

HM086/EY4122 AUH 2120 – 0840+1 HKG 332 247
HM087/EY4121 HKG 1800 – 2330 AUH 332 135

Source (http://airlineroute.net/2012/10/31/hm-hkg-feb13/)

Looks like a new African carrier will be flying out of Abu Dhabi as a codeshare (supposedly, the flight comes in from Mahe): Air Seychelles will start operating between AUH and HKG, using its newest A330. Etihad Airways will be codesharing on this route. Details:

HM086/EY4122 AUH 2120 – 0840+1 HKG 332 247
HM087/EY4121 HKG 1800 – 2330 AUH 332 135

Source (http://airlineroute.net/2012/10/31/hm-hkg-feb13/)

That's very exciting! One more tropical paradise option for us and those who are sick of Fiji and the Maldives already ;)

thanks for the information hkskyline

That's very exciting! One more tropical paradise option for us and those who are sick of Fiji and the Maldives already ;)

Ehhh that means you get to fly to destinations further than the Philippines, which has its own set of paradise, and you get flights to the Maldives, Fiji, and Guam... What's next: New Caledonia? It seems like if I come from Manila and want to go to those places, then we need to stop over in Hong Kong just to get to those tropical destinations... Reminds me to really ramp up airport construction back home to make it all happen and go further than settling for what we have. ;)

As reported in the Air New Zealand thread (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1094407), their HKG-LHR service will be cut next March. 70 London-based jobs will go as a result.

The capacity will be redeployed on North America routes, and NZ will continue to fly to London via Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, they will also codeshare with CX for more mainland China destinations.

http://www.globalphotos.org/london/20081014/IMG_2994.jpg
A HKG-bound service awaits boarding in LHR.

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070929/IMG_2168.jpg
Until a few years ago, NZ flew a 747 from HKG to LHR.

Speech by FS at signing ceremony of MoU on Aviation Services Research Centre
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Government Press Release

Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, at the signing ceremony of Memorandum of Understanding on Aviation Services Research Centre at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University this morning (November 10):

Dr Wu (Vice President, Boeing Research and Technology, China, Dr Wu Dongyang), Professor Tong (President, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Professor Timothy Tong), Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning.

I am really pleased to join you all for the signing ceremony. This Memorandum of Understanding between Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Boeing Company is the first of its kind for our city.

We are delighted that PolyU is teaming up with the world's largest aerospace company to promote hi-tech innovation.

This MoU on establishing an Aviation Services Research Centre is a groundbreaking initiative that will support our city's development and progress on several fronts.

First of all, as an international aviation hub, this initiative will help Hong Kong play a key role in our nation's aeronautics development. Aeronautics is one of the seven "rising" industries identified in the Central Government's National 12th Five-year Plan.

It will also give Hong Kong greater scope to take advantage of the Central Government's focus on aeronautics development and help establish Hong Kong as an aviation education and research centre.

This MoU is also very timely. There is already strong demand for aviation expertise to support the industry's development, not just in Hong Kong and Mainland China, but also throughout Asia. As our region continues to expand and become more closely connected with global markets, this demand for aviation talent will grow.

We are also fortunate in Hong Kong to have one of the best, busiest and biggest airports in the world. Much of its success depends on its people to operate, maintain and manage the day-to-day running of the facility efficiently, and above all, safely.

Looking to the future, we have ambitious plans to increase the capacity of Hong Kong International Airport to meet anticipated demand for passenger and cargo services. This will create opportunities for skilled personnel in all departments and especially in the maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft and equipment.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is an honour for me to join you all for this special occasion. With a strong commitment from Hong Kong, applied research enterprise of Polytechnic University and the Boeing Company's world-renowned leadership and expertise, I am confident that this collaboration will help propel our aviation industry to even greater heights.

Thank you very much.

LCQ7: The SkyPier
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Government Press Release

Following is a question by the Hon Chan Han-pan and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Professor Anthony Cheung Bing-leung, in the Legislative Council today (November 14):

Question:

In recent years, some members of the public have proposed that the Government should vigorously develop Lantau Island so as to strengthen Hong Kong's connection and integration with the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region. On the other hand, some people have repeatedly urged the Government for years to open up the SkyPier at the Hong Kong International Airport for providing cross-boundary ferry services to non-transit passengers. Although the Government had told this Council's Panel on Economic Development in 2007 that it would consider the proposal, it later indicated that a review on whether there was such a need should be conducted after the commissioning of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB). In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) whether it knows the current annual maximum passenger handling capacity and the actual patronage of the SkyPier;

(b) whether it knows the annual increase in patronage of the SkyPier since the completion of the construction of SkyPier's permanent pier; whether it has assessed if the increase in patronage is satisfactory and the reasons for that; whether the Government will conduct an in-depth study on the growth in the patronage of the pier;

(c) whether the authorities will consider afresh opening up the SkyPier for cross-boundary services so as to strengthen Hong Kong's connection with the PRD region; if they will, whether they will consider providing cross-boundary ferry services other than those to and from Zhuhai and Macao, so as to avoid affecting the utilisation of HZMB upon its completion; and

(d) whether the authorities will consider expeditiously conducting a comprehensive review on the development plan of Lantau Island, so as to ensure that the development of Hong Kong's south-western areas will tie in with the rapid development of the PRD region?

Reply:

President,

Located at the Restricted Area of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), the SkyPier provides convenient and speedy ferry services for air-to-sea/sea-to-air transit passengers travelling between Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta (PRD)/Macao. Transit passengers via SkyPier with a valid air ticket or counterfoil of the boarding pass, a valid ferry ticket and a valid travel document can, without going through immigration procedures at the airport, board departing flight to other destinations or take a ferry at the SkyPier to the PRD or Macao. The Airport Authority (AA) must operate the SkyPier in accordance with the Deed of Security signed with the Administration in order to meet the security requirements for transit passengers and baggage.

(a) Based on AA's information, the four berths at the SkyPier can currently cope with a maximum of about 4 million transit passengers every year. In 2011, the transit passenger throughput of SkyPier was about 2.39 million.

(b) The SkyPier commissioned in January 2010. In 2011, the transit passenger throughput was 2.39 million, representing an increase of 6.7% over 2010 which was about 2.24 million. In the first nine months of 2012, the passenger throughput was 1.98 million, representing an increase of 10% over the same period last year.

There has been a steady growth in the transit passenger throughput of SkyPier. Its growth rates in recent years exceeded those of the overall passenger throughput of the HKIA (see the table below), mainly due to the persistent increase in the number of visitors from the Mainland and Southeast Asia in recent years.

Transit passenger Passenger
throughput of SkyPier throughput of HKIA
(million passengers) (million passengers)
-------------------------------------------------

2010 2.24 50.92
2011 2.39 (+6.7%) 53.90 (+5.9%)
2012 1.98 (+10%) 42.25 (+5.1%)
(as at
September)

(c) The land transport link between Hong Kong and the PRD region, particularly cities in the eastern part, has been well developed. Regarding sea transport, the two cross-boundary ferry terminals (CBFTs) currently managed by the Government (i.e. Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal and China Ferry Terminal) provide cross-boundary ferry services to and from 11 PRD ports and Macao. The daily maximum handling capacities of the above two CBFTs add up to about 290,000. In 2011, the total peak daily patronage of the two terminals was only 130,000. It is expected that the two terminals will have sufficient capacity to meet the projected increase in patronage before the commissioning of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) in 2016. As such, we consider it not necessary to plan the third government-managed CBFT at this stage.

We also do not see the need to expand the function of the SkyPier. As indicated by the statistics for the first three quarters of 2012, the average daily patronage of cross-boundary ferries was about 69,000, of which the services other than those between Hong Kong and Zhuhai/Macao only accounted for about 12.3%, i.e. around 8,500 passengers per day. Compared with the two CBFTs located in the city centre, the SkyPier is relatively far away from the urban area, making it not convenient for most residents in Hong Kong. As for inbound tourists, most of them will go sightseeing and shopping on the Hong Kong and Kowloon side apart from visiting scenic spots in Lantau. Therefore, the Government considers that the proposed provision of a CBFT at the SkyPier has limited effect on boosting visitor number from the Mainland and Macao, and that the patronage may not be sufficient to support the efficacy of the operation of the pier.

Furthermore, the main purpose of providing SkyPier service at HKIA is to provide speedy ferry services for air transit passengers travelling to and from the PRD and Macao. The existing SkyPier is located within the Airport Restricted Area where customs, immigration and quarantine facilities are not provided. If the SkyPier is to open for use by non-transit passengers, it would require expansion to fit in the necessary facilities and increase the handling capacity of the pier. As the relevant works would incur substantial capital investment and manpower requirement, it is not cost-effective based on the current situation.

In view of the above, together with a further cross-boundary option to be provided by the HZMB in 2016 for travelling between Hong Kong and Macao as well as Hong Kong and cities on the western part of the Pearl River, we do not have plan to consider the opening the SkyPier for general immigration purposes.

(d) To fully capture the opportunities arising from the rapid development of the PRD region, the Government will enhance our transport link with the region to promote the overall development of Hong Kong.

Published by the Administration in 2007, the Revised Concept Plan for Lantau sets out the overall planning framework for a balanced and coordinated development of the island. According to the framework, North Lantau will focus on the development of major economic infrastructure and tourism uses to optimise the utilisation of the transport infrastructure. The rest of Lantau will be designated for nature conservation and environmentally sustainable recreational uses.

The Planning Department and the Civil Engineering and Development Department launched the Tung Chung New Town Extension Study in January 2012 to identify the development potential and opportunities of Tung Chung. With a view to formulating a suitable proposal for Tung Chung New Town extension, the major infrastructure projects in the adjacent areas of Tung Chung, the need for environmental protection and nature conservation in the surrounding as well as the comments from and vision of the public for Tung Chung development will be taken into consideration. The first stage of public engagement for the Study ended in August this year and about 2,300 public views have been received. The Administration is analysing the views for the preparation of an initial development proposal. The second stage of public engagement is expected to commence next year.

Aircraft spotting || Hong Kong International Airport

click to visit my blog: http://anthonythestrange.blogspot.com/2012/11/aircraft-spotting-hong-kong.html

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http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8196409030_0ee0c137c6_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vmclarke/8196409030/)
Hong Kong Airport (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vmclarke/8196409030/) by Vmc Pics (http://www.flickr.com/people/vmclarke/), on Flickr

HKIA's Overall Traffic Grows in October
Press Release

(HONG KONG, 18 November 2012) – Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) achieved sustained air traffic growth in October 2012, handling 4.7 million passenger trips and 346,000 tonnes of cargo for year-on-year increases of 1.9% and 1.1% respectively. The airport also saw 30,025 flight movements, representing an increase of 5.1% compared to the same month last year.

The growth in passenger traffic was driven mainly by a surge in travel by Hong Kong residents for the long National Day holidays, resulting in a 14% rise over October 2011. Passenger traffic to and from South East Asia and Taiwan performed particularly well.

The growth in cargo throughput was primarily due to the 11% year-on-year increase in transshipments. During the month, cargo throughput to and from North America and Mainland China outperformed other key regions.

Stanley Hui Hon-chung, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said, "It is encouraging to see that HKIA has recorded growth in all three traffic categories for the third month in a row. We anticipate that passenger traffic and flight movements will continue to grow in the near future. Preliminary numbers on cargo throughput in November also suggest a welcome and strong rebound in the year-end peak months. We are cautiously optimistic about cargo performance for 2012 given the arrival of the holiday season.

"I'm also happy to report that HKIA has been named the ‘Best Airport in China' in the Business Traveller China Awards for the sixth time in seven years, in recognition of its service excellence. I must thank the airport community for its consistent efforts to provide a delightful airport experience for our passengers from all over the world, which is particularly challenging given the HKIA's increasingly high traffic volumes. We are constantly seeking ways to improve our service, and we will continue to review airport operations with our business partners with a view toward further enhancing the passenger experience," Mr Hui added.

HKIA also announced it has recently expanded its air services network with the addition of Globus Airlines, providing flight services to Novosibirsk, Russia.

Over the first 10 months of this year, passenger traffic climbed 4.8% to 46.9 million while cargo volume grew 0.9% to 3.3 million tonnes. Aircraft movements reached 291,135, representing yearly growth of 5.2% compared with the same period last year.

On a rolling 12-month basis, passenger volume and aircraft movements rose by 5% and 5.2% to 56 million and 348,310 respectively. Cargo volume registered a slight decline of 0.3% to 4 million tonnes.

http://www.hongkongairport.com/pr_download/Oct2012e.pdf

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8069/8207330677_ca17b1ec3e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58464516@N02/8207330677/)
HKG (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58464516@N02/8207330677/) by Achimar (http://www.flickr.com/people/58464516@N02/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8477/8213268919_f5a6c84379_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnlsl/8213268919/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnlsl/8213268919/) by johnlsl (http://www.flickr.com/people/johnlsl/), on Flickr

Airport Authority Records Strong Interim Results for Fiscal 2012/2013
Press Release

(HONG KONG, 26 November 2012) – Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) today announced the unaudited interim financial results for the six months ended 30 September 2012. Revenue and profit attributable to equity shareholder rose 8.0% and 13.1% respectively over the same period in 2011 to HK$ 6,395 million and HK$ 2,751 million.

All traffic volumes at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) reported growth in the first half of fiscal 2012/2013. The airport handled 28.7 million passengers, two million tonnes of cargo and 176,000 aircraft movements, representing year-on-year growth of 3.8%, 2.1% and 4.6% respectively.

Commenting on the financial performance, Stanley Hui Hon-chung, Chief Executive Officer of AAHK, said, "The rise in revenue and profit was attributed to the growth of passenger traffic and aircraft movements. Also, the retail licences and advertising revenue saw a 9.8% increase over the same period last year, further contributing to overall growth.

"While all three categories saw growth during the period, it is especially worth noting that cargo throughput rebounded despite the persistently challenging economic situations in Europe and the US. We expect there will continue to be moderate growth in both passenger and air traffic movements, and we are cautiously optimistic about cargo throughput for the rest of the fiscal year. To meet growth needs and maintain high quality service, construction of the Midfield Concourse and new parking stands as well as refurbishment of existing facilities are well underway," added Mr Hui.

William Lo Chi-chung, Executive Director, Finance, AAHK, said, "We are pleased with the financial performance for the first six months. However, the 2012/2013 full-year performance might be affected by increases in expenditure to refurbish existing facilities and develop growth plans in order to sustain service levels and increase handling capacity. Slower growth in retail revenue, a trend that has started to emerge in recent months, is also likely to have an impact on this year's performance. We will continue to exercise prudent financial discipline during the remainder of the year in view of the challenging operating environment."

In the first six months of this fiscal year, the number of passengers using the airport's cross-boundary ferry service at SkyPier, which covers eight ferry ports in the Pearl River Delta, experienced year-on-year growth of 9% to approximately 1.4 million. SkyPier set a new record for single-month passenger flow of 266,000 passengers in August; just one month after the previous single-month record was set. Approximately 987,000 passengers used the mainland coach and limousine service at HKIA during the period under review, up 4% from a year earlier.

In the first half of 2012/2013 AAHK welcomed the issuance of the Study Brief for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to expand HKIA into a three-runway system. AAHK has since embarked upon the EIA process, which is expected to take two years to complete, and has pledged to carry out the work in a highly professional, transparent and thorough manner. The airport has also committed to walking the extra mile by assessing future carbon emissions.

HKIA continued to be recognised for its operational efficiency and service excellence and was named the world's "Best Airport" at the TTG Travel Awards and the "Best Airport in China" by Business Traveller Magazine. The airport community has pledged to keep reviewing service standards to further enhance its industry-leading service levels in the face of increasing traffic demand.

AAHK was also awarded the Platinum Award in the Public Sector/Not-for-profit Category at the 2012 Best Corporate Governance Disclosure Awards, organised by the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants, in recognition of achieving the highest corporate governance standards in this category.

The 2012/2013 interim financial results were reviewed by an independent auditor and approved by the Board of the Airport Authority.

More : http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/media/press-releases/pr_1084.html

Spring Air Considers Hong Kong Hub in Cathay Pacific Challenge
By Jasmine Wang - Nov 29, 2012 12:01 AM GMT+0800
Bloomberg (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-11-28/spring-air-considers-hong-kong-hub-in-cathay-pacific-challenge.html) Excerpt

Spring Airlines Co., China’s biggest privately-owned carrier, is considering a venture in Hong Kong as it joins operators trying to break Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. (293)’s grip on the city’s aviation market.

The carrier has drawn up a plan as part of an overseas expansion push that may also include operations in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, Chairman Wang Zhenghua said in an interview yesterday in Hong Kong. He didn’t give a time-frame for when a Hong Kong carrier may start flying.

“We want to go out and tap international markets,” Wang said. “A road for expanding overseas starting from Hong Kong will be the shortest one for us.”

Spring Air, based in Shanghai, will add four new routes to Hong Kong from mainland China next month, competing against Cathay Pacific’s Hong Kong Dragon Airlines Ltd. services. Cathay is also facing rivalry from Hong Kong Airlines, Asia’s fastest growing carrier, and a planned Jetstar venture that’s due to start flying next year.

The new Hong Kong routes linking Chongqing, Hangzhou, Nanjing and Xiamen will add to Spring Air’s thrice-daily service from Shanghai. The expansion means Spring will serve four of the 10 busiest routes between Hong Kong and the mainland, according to CAPA - Centre for Aviation, a research company. All four of the new destinations are popular tourist markets, it said.

Spring Air, which has moved away from its traditional low- cost operations by adding some business-class seats, was also working on plans for a venture in Japan. This has been delayed because of a territorial dispute between the two countries, Wang said.

Tonlesap Airlines- Hong Kong to Siem Reap inaugural on November 16th, 2012
Press Release

Within a few months after the four inaugurals in China during July, 2012, Tonlesap Airlines is now launching another new service route from Siem Reap to Hong Kong on November 16th, 2012. Through the thorough planning from the staffs of Tonlesap Airlines, we are constantly seeking new opportunities to better service our passengers.

Hong Kong International Airport (commonly known as Chek Lap Kok Airport) is an important transit airport in Asia; it has managed to handle 333,760 aircraft movements, 53.9 million passengers and 4.1 million tones of cargo in the year of 2011. The passenger traffic of Hong Kong International Airport is among the top ten worldwide; its freight forwarder had arouse to worldwide number one in 2010, and the airport is especially rated as five-star by Skytrax. Being such an important hub airport, Tonlesap Airlines is pleased to announce the commencement of flight between Siem Reap and Hong Kong.

We are looking forward to this maiden flight on November 16th between Siem Reap and Hong Kong. In addition, to be able to bring passengers from all over the world to visit this stunning world class cultural relic of Cambodia.

Source : http://pic.feeyo.com/posts/575/5756122.html

http://pic.feeyo.com/pic/20121125/201211250639382805.jpg

International pilots back plan for third runway at Hong Kong Airport
International federation says members complain of delays because of growing air traffic, and that current capacity will not be sufficient in future
South China Morning Post (http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1096049/international-pilots-back-plan-third-runway-hong-kong-airport) Excerpt
Monday, 03 December, 2012

A group representing pilots around the world is backing plans for a third runway at Hong Kong International Airport.

The International Federation of Airline Pilots' Associations, which has 100,000 members, said the city would eventually need a third runway because of increasing air traffic.

Its director of operations, Gideon Ewers, said from Britain: "My colleagues say they often face 30-minute delays as air traffic in Hong Kong grows."

The Airport Authority estimates the two-runway system will reach its maximum capacity of 420,000 flight movements annually between 2019 and 2022.

A three-runway system would be able to accommodate 620,000 flight movements a year.

One problem that increases airport congestion is that planes flying from Hong Kong into the mainland have to fly at a minimum of 15,700 feet.

Some sharp photos.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/asiaglobe/spring.jpg

^^ Could you reorient that to the right because it seems strange for me to read the text sideways...? What I understand though is that Spring Airlines is opening up more routes from HKG, thus they have special introductory low fares from HKD129, true?

^^ Could you reorient that to the right because it seems strange for me to read the text sideways...? What I understand though is that Spring Airlines is opening up more routes from HKG, thus they have special introductory low fares from HKD129, true?

Yes, there will be 4 new routes starting on 16 December : Chongqing, Nanjing, Hangzhou, and Xiamen. The promotional fare is 129 HKD not inclusive of taxes and surcharges.

I knew it! It looks Spring Airlines is looking at HKG as a focus city with that number of flights. Thanks for adjusting the pic too by the way.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8185586901_87fb2cc04d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bilalmirza/8185586901/)
Hong Kong International Airport view from Ngong Ping 360 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bilalmirza/8185586901/) by Bilal /\/\iRza بلال ميرزا (http://www.flickr.com/people/bilalmirza/), on Flickr

Direct to Koh Samui
The Standard
Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Bangkok Airways turns 45 next year and to mark the occasion it is starting two daily flights between Hong Kong and Koh Samui starting from December 1.

ML Nandhika Varavarn, the airline's vice president for corporate communications, said: "Bangkok Airways is dedicated to meeting our customers' needs, which is why we offer in-flight meals prepared by world- class chefs and fly only new aircraft - including two Airbus 319s just added to our fleet - to ensure passenger safety."

Website: www.bangkokair.com

Hactl named Air Cargo Terminal of the Year for sixth year running
Press Release
7 December 2012, Hong Kong

Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) – the major cargo handler at Hong Kong International Airport, the world’s leading air cargo hub – has received the “Air Cargo Terminal of the Year” award for the sixth year running at the Supply Chain Asia Logistics Awards 2012. The awards were presented at a gala dinner held at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore on 6 December (Thursday), attended by senior logistics professionals.

Organised by Supply Chain Asia magazine, the awards were based on online voting by industry players. Submissions of shortlisted companies in each category were then considered by a panel of expert judges to decide the winners.

Hactl’s winning submission successfully convinced judges about its customer service, IT know-how and systems, efficiency, its airline network coverage, the quality of its ground transport links, its charges, its special handling abilities, its record of launching products and services to match market demand, and its Corporate Social Responsibilities and environmental policies.

Speaking after the event, Mark Whitehead, Managing Director of Hactl, said: “It is very gratifying that so many logistics professionals throughout Asia have voted to recognise Hactl’s efforts to provide highest quality handling services. I would love to dedicate this award to everyone at Hactl. Their enthusiasm, hard work and commitment every day of the year are what has won us this honour.

“While we take pride in our achievements, we will not rest on our laurels as we continue to strive for excellence in everything we do for our customers and the community. In the dynamic air cargo industry, we strive to be a company that is receptive to changes and opportunities. We will continue to support Hong Kong International Airport to maintain its status as the world’s number one air cargo hub with its reputation for efficiency and excellence.”

Is there a direct flight from Hong Kong to San Paulo, Brazil?

No, from Asia only cities linked to GRU are SIN via BCN (Singapore Airlines), PEK via MAD (Air China) and ICN via LAX (Korean Air).

Air pollution must be a common occurence around that area. I wonder if the airport gets shut down or flights delayed if visibility is really bad?

Air pollution must be a common occurence around that area. I wonder if the airport gets shut down or flights delayed if visibility is really bad?

I've never heard of pollution-induced airport closures. There is plenty of automation nowadays to guide planes to land safely.

The skies have not been so grey at all so far this winter.

Source : http://pic.feeyo.com/posts/576/5765895.html

http://pic.feeyo.com/pic/20121215/201212151126098906.jpg

Union: AA to Outsource Jobs to Hong Kong
NBC Excerpt
Sunday, Sep 16, 2012

Workers at the American Airlines maintenance base at Fort Worth's Alliance Airport say they are angry after learning that many of their jobs will be outsourced -- to Hong Kong.

"This is the result of corporate greed," said Larry Pike, president of the local Transport Workers Union.

Pike, who has been briefed on the airline's plans, said work on Boeing 777 jets, which is now done at Alliance, will go to a Hong Kong company called Haeco.

*************************

American also noted that most of its competitors already perform heavy maintenance outside of the country.

Pike questioned whether work outsourced overseas will be done as well.

*************************

American revealed Monday it would close its Alliance base by the end of the year.

Pike said about 400 American employees at Alliance worked on the Boeing 777s and about 700 worked on the Boeing 767s.

*************************

Pike predicted that the 767 work will also be outsourced to Hong Kong within a few years. But American Airlines tells NBC 5 Timco of Greensboro will be handling the maintenance on the airlines 757s, the work on those jets will not be outsourced to Hong Kong.

*************************

American is the last major U.S. carrier to do all of its own major overhaul work. Some other airlines also do maintenance work in other countries, including El Salvador.

*************************

How gross that American Airlines (and others) would opt to send empty planes halfway across the world for maintenance --- way to go "green" guys. Gotta figure they are paying pretty crap wages in China to make it worthwhile.

Disgusting.

How gross that American Airlines (and others) would opt to send empty planes halfway across the world for maintenance --- way to go "green" guys. Gotta figure they are paying pretty crap wages in China to make it worthwhile.

Disgusting.
Think it's more about the overpaid American worker that is driving this. I doubt AA is flying its long-haul planes half way around the world for this. They fly regular passenger services to other cities in East Asia, which are a short distance from Hong Kong if they need to be around for maintenance work.

^^ AA operates B777s from Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and New York to a handful of Asian cities, like Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, and Delhi. It'd make sense if a plane for maintenance comes in from PVG or PEK as the ferry flight is shorter, unlike ICN, NRT, or DEL, which can take up to five hours. I haven't seen AA operate B767s on any of its Asian flights (at least according to the published schedules), but I think it might change if AA operates HNL-NRT or HNL-HND.

^^ AA operates B777s from Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and New York to a handful of Asian cities, like Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, and Delhi. It'd make sense if a plane for maintenance comes in from PVG or PEK as the ferry flight is shorter, unlike ICN, NRT, or DEL, which can take up to five hours. I haven't seen AA operate B767s on any of its Asian flights (at least according to the published schedules), but I think it might change if AA operates HNL-NRT or HNL-HND.

The aircraft usually operate a revenue service & ferried to the maintenance centre... For example QF A380s operate SYD-SIN-LHR or MEL-SIN-LHR & then ferry the aircraft to FRA... The return sector is either cancelled or operated by the A380 which has under gone maintenance...

^^ Interesting. MNL also hosts to a large maintenance facility for the A380s as well, thanks to Lufthansa Technik.

^^ Interesting. MNL also hosts to a large maintenance facility for the A380s as well, thanks to Lufthansa Technik.

I believe with the A380 reconfiguration work being carried out in MNL Qantas have also transferred regular maintenance to the facility too...

So remember Air Seychelles planning a flight to HKG? Well, it indeed will start service via Abu Dhabi from The Seychelles from 24 March 2013. Schedule:

HM086 SEZ1540 – 2010AUH2140 – 0940+1HKG 332 247
HM087 HKG1855 – 2325AUH0200+1 – 0635+1SEZ 332 135

Source (http://airlineroute.net/2012/12/15/hm-hkg-s13/)

So remember Air Seychelles planning a flight to HKG? Well, it indeed will start service via Abu Dhabi from The Seychelles from 24 March 2013. Schedule:

HM086 SEZ1540 – 2010AUH2140 – 0940+1HKG 332 247
HM087 HKG1855 – 2325AUH0200+1 – 0635+1SEZ 332 135

Source (http://airlineroute.net/2012/12/15/hm-hkg-s13/)

Thanks. Here is the press release from November : http://www.airseychelles.com/en/news/index.php?aid=91

Air Seychelles to fly to Hong Kong
Thursday 1 November 2012

Air Seychelles announced today that it would introduce services to Hong Kong in February 2013, subject to regulatory approvals, following the delivery of its second Airbus A330-200 aircraft in January 2013.

The airline will operate three return services per week from the Seychelles to Hong Kong via Abu Dhabi.

Cramer Ball, Air Seychelles’ Chief Executive Officer, said: “The Seychelles needs a national carrier which can support the growing number of travellers into the archipelago, not just from our historical markets in Europe, but also the powerful emerging ones.

“Hong Kong’s economy is among the fastest growing in the world, supporting a booming middle class with a high disposable income per capita by global standards.

“These factors have brought a remarkable increase in the number of travellers coming out of the region in recent years. In fact, since 2010, the number of travellers coming to the Seychelles from Hong Kong has more than doubled.

“We see Hong Kong as a significant driver for future tourism growth in the Seychelles, so we are positioning Air Seychelles to seize the opportunity and support this vital market.”

The Seychelles is a visa-free destination, meaning all visitors can receive visas on arrival. Seychellois citizens are also not required to have visas for travel to Hong Kong.

Further, Hong Kong is a potential gateway to expand the airline’s reach within the region, with convenient connections to more than 30 destinations across mainland China, Japan and Australasia.

Guests travelling between the Seychelles and Hong Kong will remain on the same aircraft and keep the same seat for both legs of the journey, allowing a seamless journey over Abu Dhabi.

By operating the flights over Abu Dhabi, Air Seychelles can also codeshare with Etihad Airways to support further traffic to and from China. This dual approach will enable the airline to capture a significant market share.

The airline has also confirmed an increase in services to Abu Dhabi, from four to seven return services per week, a key part of a larger business plan approved by the airline’s Board of Directors.

Mr Ball said: “Through our partnership with Etihad Airways, we have been able to serve a much larger network and make improvements to the business that we could not have achieved independently. We are on track to break even this year, ensuring that Air Seychelles will continue to grow and thrive for many years to come.”

For further information and bookings, call +852 37973488 or +852 37973489.

I've never heard of pollution-induced airport closures. There is plenty of automation nowadays to guide planes to land safely.

The skies have not been so grey at all so far this winter.

Of course, why didn't i think of that. :bash:

Source : http://pic.feeyo.com/posts/576/5769752.html

http://pic.feeyo.com/pic/20121221/201212210407591545.jpg

http://pic.feeyo.com/pic/20121221/201212210411089695.jpg

Daily flight movements hit new record
Monday, December 24, 2012
Government Press Release

A total of 1,081 flight movements were handled at the Hong Kong International Airport on December 22, setting a new daily record, a spokesman for the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) said today (December 24).

The 1,081 flight movements broke the previous single-day record of 1,057 flight movements set on January 20 this year and exceeded the daily average of 957 movements recorded in 2012 by around 13 per cent. Moreover, 579 flight movements also operated through the Hong Kong Flight Information Region on December 22, making up a total of 1,660 flights handled by the CAD within the 24-hour period. The strong growth was registered in air traffic operating both at the Hong Kong International Airport and through the Hong Kong Flight Information Region. It also strengthened our position as the regional aviation hub.

In the past 12 months, a total of 351,336 aircraft movements were handled at the Hong Kong International Airport and 202,179 aircraft movements operated through the Hong Kong Flight Information Region. They represented respective increases of 5.3 per cent and 10.5 per cent compared with the same period last year.

The increase in flight movements was also attributed to the demand during the Christmas holidays. Most of the extra flights operated by airlines were to destinations in Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia. Taipei was the most popular destination, followed by Seoul and Manila.

"The CAD is encouraged by this new movement record and its smooth air traffic operation. As usual, the CAD's Air Traffic Management Division has deployed additional staff to cater for the seasonal demand. We are always committed to ensuring safe and efficient air traffic service to the travelling public," the spokesman said.

Source : http://pic.feeyo.com/posts/577/5776636.html

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亞航取消檳城來往香港航線
2013年01月04日(五)
太陽報

AirAsia is ending HK-Penang service from 4 March. Passengers may transfer in KL for Penang instead. Currently, AirAsia operates 6 international routes out of Penang, and the HK route is being axed as part of a route reorganization.

【本報訊】亞洲最大廉價航空亞洲航空宣布三月四日起取消檳城來往香港航線，該公司向受影響旅客致歉，已預訂三月四日或以後航班的消費者，可免費改簽至三月四日或以前的航班，該航空亦提供以吉隆坡作為中轉站的方案，旅客可免費更改路線，選擇經吉隆坡往香港或檳城，又提出信用卡客戶全數退款方案，稍後會以電郵通知受影響旅客。

亞洲航空目前擁有六條檳城直飛的國際航線，包括檳城往新加坡、曼谷、雅加達、泗水、棉蘭及香港。該公司昨晚公布稱，由於整體業務調整及重組檳城作為樞紐營運航線，決定三月四日起取消檳城至香港航線，將會採取相應措施以盡可能減低乘客所受到的影響。已訂票的旅客可致電該公司客戶服務熱線 3112 3222查詢。

By ZX-10R from a Hong Kong discussion forum :

http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/537974_10200400114432200_130667456_n.jpg

http://sphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/531450_10200400116072241_1690207853_n.jpg

http://sphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/224824_10200400116552253_1022137226_n.jpg

http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/544022_10200400117032265_1160120212_n.jpg

^^
Nice catch!

The Cabin
Source : http://pic.feeyo.com/posts/578/5782454.html

http://pic.feeyo.com/pic/20130112/201301121006163916.jpg

I love Hong Kong Airport.

I love Hong Kong Airport.

It's really a great airport. It's big, busy yet simple. Plus it makes plane watching easy.

It's really a great airport. It's big, busy yet simple. Plus it makes plane watching easy.

It is just a joy for me to go through that airport... I remember flying in and out of there around 2001 when I visited Hong Kong, and I found it to be ultra-modern at the time. I just want to see similar airports like HKG that are airy, easy to get around, and plentiful of daily flights.

HKIA Achieves Solid Growth in 2012
Airport Sets Record for Air Traffic Movements in December
Press Release

(HONG KONG, 13 January 2013) – Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) reported another year of strong traffic performance, setting new annual records in both passenger volume and flight movements. Last year, HKIA welcomed a total of 56.5 million passengers and handled 352,000 aircraft movements, representing annual growth of 4.7% and 5.3% respectively. Cargo volume showed rebound over the past five months, making the total cargo handled for the whole year rose 2.2% to 4 million tonnes.

HKIA also reported 30,800 flight movements in December 2012, a 5.1% year-on-year increase and a new monthly record. The previous record for monthly flight movements was set in August 2012. During the month, the airport also received five million passengers and handled 372,000 tonnes of cargo, registering year-on-year growth of 3.9% and 7.6% respectively.

The growth in passenger traffic was driven mainly by Hong Kong resident travel, which saw a 7% rise over the same month last year. Passenger traffic to and from South East Asia and Taiwan performed particularly well. Growth in December cargo throughput was primarily due to an 8% year-on-year growth in exports. During the month, cargo throughput to and from North America and the Chinese Mainland outperformed other key regions.

Stanley Hui Hon-chung, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said, "Despite the challenging global economic environment, regional economic growth continued to drive traffic increases at HKIA in 2012. This past year we welcomed nine new airlines and expanded our global network to about 170 destinations. The airport community's 65,000 staff also keeps delivering consistently world-class service, delighting travellers from Hong Kong and around the world and helping HKIA win recognition as the world’s best airport more than 50 times over the years."

New annual records were also set in cross-boundary traffic, underlining HKIA's position as an increasingly important multi-modal transport centre connecting Hong Kong to the Mainland. During the year, traffic between HKIA and Pearl River Delta destinations via limousines/ coaches and ferry services at the SkyPier grew by 3.5% and 8% to over 1.9 million and 2.6 million passenger trips respectively.

"Heading into 2013, whilst the financial woes in the Eurozone will probably continue and the weak market conditions in the US remain for some time, GDP growth forecasts for the Chinese Mainland and South East Asia are 8.1% and 5.2%, respectively, much higher than most other parts in the world. We are therefore cautiously optimistic about achieving mild traffic growth at HKIA in 2013. The over HK$12 billion Midfield and apron development projects are in full swing, which will enable us to manage traffic growth in the medium-term. We are also keenly focused on achieving sustainable development while operating HKIA safely, efficiently and reliably, in line with the airport’s unsurpassed reputation for service excellence," Mr Hui added.

Statistics : http://www.hongkongairport.com/pr_download/Dec2012e.pdf

By KH3743 from a Hong Kong bus forum :

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Press Release
Hactl achieved second best annual record in 2012
15 January 2013, Hong Kong

Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) – the major air cargo handler at the world’s largest air cargo hub – has reported the second best year in the company’s history.

The fourth quarter in 2012 saw total traffic up 6.2% on 2011, at 754,226 tonnes: the best total tonnage and best annual growth in any quarter since the first quarter of 2011.

The fourth quarter was also the best quarter for exports in 2012: November’s figure of 142,632 tonnes was the best in 2012, while December’s was the third best. December’s imports figure of 61,659 tonnes meanwhile made it 2012’s top import month.

The year as a whole was the second best in Hactl’s 37-year history, at a total of 2,777,519 tonnes: up a healthy 2.1% on 2011, and just 4.2% short of the company’s all-time record of 2,899,603 tonnes which was set in the post-recession bounce of 2010.

The quarter was positively impacted by traffic feeding through from the five new carriers signed up by Hactl since September: Air Astana with twice-weekly B757s, Globus Airlines with twice-weekly B737s, SF Airlines with five-times-weekly B737Fs, Uni-top Airlines with chartered B747Fs, and Vladivostok Air with twice-weekly A320s.

The fourth quarter also saw a boom in freighter services handled by Hactl, as carriers brought in some 42 charter flights from late October to December, to help cope with the pre-Christmas boost in cargo traffic.

Says Hactl Executive Director Lilian Chan: “2012 ended stronger than we expected. Despite the continuing uncertainty in Europe and the US, our figures have maintained a modest and steady recovery that hopefully will become a sustainable trend.

“2013 will be challenging for us, as Cathay Pacific Airways migrates to self-handling and we relinquish their business in phases throughout the year. We are well-prepared, and our 100 other airline customers have been growing as a proportion of our total business, which will cushion the overall impact.”

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8087/8400631933_8b6f1a1c22_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisjunker/8400631933/)
Boeing | 777-FZN | AeroLogic | D-AALA | Hong Kong | HKG | VHHH (http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisjunker/8400631933/) by Christian Junker | PHOTOGRAPHY (http://www.flickr.com/people/chrisjunker/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8086/8400793143_0aaccd326a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisjunker/8400793143/)
McDonnell Douglas | MD-11F | FedEx Express | N620FE | Hong Kong | HKG | VHHH (http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisjunker/8400793143/) by Christian Junker | PHOTOGRAPHY (http://www.flickr.com/people/chrisjunker/), on Flickr

^^ Spectacular aircraft shots indeed! Good thing that Asia's World City can still be seen on a CX aircraft, and it's good to see a lot of B747 freighters at Chek Lap Kok Airport. Question: is Orient Thai's aircraft a B767? Before, I saw that airline operate a very old B747 to Hong Kong...

^^ Spectacular aircraft shots indeed! Good thing that Asia's World City can still be seen on a CX aircraft, and it's good to see a lot of B747 freighters at Chek Lap Kok Airport. Question: is Orient Thai's aircraft a B767? Before, I saw that airline operate a very old B747 to Hong Kong...

Yes, that is a 767. I've never spotted that model of aircraft for the airline myself. I believe they still fly the very old 747's to HK.

Source : http://pic.feeyo.com/posts/571/5717356.html

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Beautiful and busy airport.

Dragonair Supports Forging of Economic Partnership with Mainland Cities and Building the Hong Kong Hub
16 January 2013
Press Release

(HONG KONG) Dragonair today welcomed the commitment made in the Policy Address by HKSAR Chief Executive Mr Leung Chun-ying, that the Government will enhance Hong Kong’s economic partnership with provinces and municipalities in the Mainland on all fronts.

Dragonair Chief Executive Officer Patrick Yeung said: “The Chief Executive stressed that Hong Kong, as well as being international finance, trading, and shipping centre, is also part of the network for Mainland China. It is crystal clear that enhancing the partnership with provinces and other major cities in the Mainland will not only drive economic growth, but also foster social and cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and the Mainland. This has been a strong belief for Dragonair all along as we worked to build a strong network in Mainland China.

“Hong Kong is very much part and parcel of the bigger picture. As Mr Leung noted, the Central Government supports the continuous development of Hong Kong as an international shipping centre, which covers both aviation and maritime transport, in the National 12th Five-Year Plan. As a leading aviation hub, we should ride on our success and take full advantage of the opportunities presented to us,” Mr Yeung said.

“I strongly believe that the status of Hong Kong as gateway to Mainland China and a leading Asian logistics centre could be strengthened as the Government undertakes to enhance sea, air and land transport networks with the Mainland. Dragonair fully supports the initiative favouring the development of Hong Kong and is looking forward to the expansion of Hong Kong International Airport, including the construction of a third runway.

“The Mainland is Dragonair’s key market and we stand ready to contribute to enhance Hong Kong’s connectivity as a regional hub for passenger and cargo traffic, and to help drive the economic development of Hong Kong and the Mainland,” Mr Yeung said.

Mr Yeung added that Dragonair also supports the move to set up recreation facilities in the Kai Tak Development Area that will reflect the former airport’s unique history and add another tourist attraction that can further boost the development of the local tourism industry.

Any news on Jetstar Hong Kong? Have they got approval from authorities yet?

Any news on Jetstar Hong Kong? Have they got approval from authorities yet?

Nothing yet. With Qantas re-aligning with Emirates, they probably have their hands full for now working out how to get their new Dubai hub going.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8094/8423218884_c77f5498e8_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sinnidog/8423218884/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sinnidog/8423218884/) by Ich Bin Vera (http://www.flickr.com/people/sinnidog/), on Flickr

Aviation passenger fuel surcharges adjusted
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Government Press Release

The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) today (January 22) approved the passenger fuel surcharges for the period from February 1 to February 28.

The new maximum levels of fuel surcharges will be $227 for short-haul flights and $908 for long-haul flights, which represent reductions of 1 per cent and 7 per cent from the current maximum levels for short-haul and long-haul flights respectively. The applicable surcharge levels are based on the ticket issue date. The approved fuel surcharge levels of individual airlines have been published on the CAD's website (www.cad.gov.hk).

Passenger fuel surcharges seek to allow airlines to partially recover the increase in operational costs due to fluctuations in aviation fuel prices. As the aeronautical authority in Hong Kong, the CAD considers and approves fuel surcharge applications from the airlines in accordance with bilateral Air Services Agreements.

Passenger fuel surcharges are reviewed regularly by the CAD. The last review was done in December 2012 when the maximum surcharge levels approved by the CAD were $230 for short-haul flights and $971 for long-haul flights.

Nothing yet. With Qantas re-aligning with Emirates, they probably have their hands full for now working out how to get their new Dubai hub going.

JQ"HK" are recruiting flight deck crew, cabin crew and cabin managers according to their website.

Hi Folks,

Does anyone know of the cheapest way to get from HKG to Istanbul without backtracking through Europe?

With the departure of Oasis/Hong Kong to London, are there any low cost routes from Asia to Europe?

Hi Folks,

Does anyone know of the cheapest way to get from HKG to Istanbul without backtracking through Europe?

With the departure of Oasis/Hong Kong to London, are there any low cost routes from Asia to Europe?

Emirates and Qatar should offer very competitive fares with 1-stop in the Middle East. Turkish fares were not too bad. Flew with them a few months ago and the prices were decent.

Hong Kong Airport Authority to launch study into fourth runway
Monday, 28 January, 2013, 2:49pm
South China Morning Post

Hong Kong must face the question of whether a fourth airport runway will be needed by 2030, in a new strategic study, the transport minister said on Monday.

Anthony Cheung Bing-leung, secretary for transport and housing, told lawmakers in the commerce and economic development panel that the Airport Authority would launch a study about the strategic development of the airport beyond 2030.

“It will be a preliminary study into a development strategy beyond the 30’s,” said Cheung.

“Developments in Asian transport facilities will be examined, but the question of whether a fourth runway is needed will be unavoidable in the strategic study,” he said.

Last March the Executive Council supported the building of a third runway in principle. The authority is currently working on the environmental impact assessment for that project, which will involve reclaiming 600 hectares of land from the sea.

But the third runway will absorb the projected increase in air traffic demand only until 2030. The project is backed by the aviation industry but has drawn heavy criticism from environmental groups.

Cheung said the airport would continue to increase its handling capacity before the third runway was completed. By the end of next year, the airport will add 14 new aprons – areas where aircraft are parked, refuelled, boarded and so forth.

^^ A fourth parallel runway? With that, how many more aircraft movements do you sense can HKG handle, and would that also translate to yet another passenger terminal expansion to keep up with future demand? It looks like Hong Kong will continue its reign as a major hub for Asia if that path is pursued... :yes:

^1Mill movements/year.

^^ That much? Whoa... I wonder how many planes per hour would that translate to... If that's the case, even more passenger and cargo flights will flock to HKG then in the process.

^^ A fourth parallel runway? With that, how many more aircraft movements do you sense can HKG handle, and would that also translate to yet another passenger terminal expansion to keep up with future demand? It looks like Hong Kong will continue its reign as a major hub for Asia if that path is pursued... :yes:

Well, given the 3rd runway isn't even built yet, the 4th one is just very long-term planning at this point.

There is plenty of room on the airport island for terminal expansion. In fact, the shovels are already in the ground for a new satellite concourse west of the current terminal.

^^ I see. So the next thing is: will there be a midfield terminal for HKG? If so, will it be used for all airlines operating currently at the airport? I remember that there is a Terminal 2, but it is only for check in... And there are several new gates (numbered in the 500s) that are used for narrow-bodied aircraft.

^^ I see. So the next thing is: will there be a midfield terminal for HKG? If so, will it be used for all airlines operating currently at the airport? I remember that there is a Terminal 2, but it is only for check in... And there are several new gates (numbered in the 500s) that are used for narrow-bodied aircraft.

Here is the grand plan with the 3rd runway : http://www.threerunwaysystem.com/en/Overview/Airport_layout_plan.aspx

^^ That airport layout makes me wanna ask several questions:

• With the three new midfield terminals, how many total boarding gates will be operational once the new complex is built?
• I suspect that there will be a brand new automated people mover, but will its current APM be extended even further to serve the brand new terminals, or will a new one be built from scratch?
• Compared with current capacity, how much more passengers and freight can HKG handle once the improvements are made? Plus, will that signal even more flight opportunities in the process in terms of passenger connectivity?

^^ That airport layout makes me wanna ask several questions:

• With the three new midfield terminals, how many total boarding gates will be operational once the new complex is built?
• I suspect that there will be a brand new automated people mover, but will its current APM be extended even further to serve the brand new terminals, or will a new one be built from scratch?
• Compared with current capacity, how much more passengers and freight can HKG handle once the improvements are made? Plus, will that signal even more flight opportunities in the process in terms of passenger connectivity?

I can answer the 2nd one right off the bat - the current people mover will be extended to the new infield terminal. As for the increased capacity, I need to dig up more info and get back to you.

^^ That much? Whoa... I wonder how many planes per hour would that translate to... If that's the case, even more passenger and cargo flights will flock to HKG then in the process.

i believe the current capacity of HKG is around 60-70 movements per hour (depending on the configuration)... from a study, 3 runway operations would increase the potential capacity to around 100 to 105 per hour... with 4 runways that could be up to 120 to 130 per hour which would translate to around 1 to 1.1 million per year as YU-AMC has said... obviously different factors must be taken into account such as separation, modes of the operation, runway crossings etc...

as it is, the airspace in and around Hong Kong (heck, i read that much of China's airspace is complex) is already complex and adding a third runway only adds to that complexity, especially with missed approach procedures and breakout maneuvers... can't imagine how complicated everything would be once you have 4 runways...:D

:cheers:

i believe the current capacity of HKG is around 60-70 movements per hour (depending on the configuration)... from a study, 3 runway operations would increase the potential capacity to around 100 to 105 per hour... with 4 runways that could be up to 120 to 130 per hour which would translate to around 1 to 1.1 million per year as YU-AMC has said... obviously different factors must be taken into account such as separation, modes of the operation, runway crossings etc...

as it is, the airspace in and around Hong Kong (heck, i read that much of China's airspace is complex) is already complex and adding a third runway only adds to that complexity, especially with missed approach procedures and breakout maneuvers... can't imagine how complicated everything would be once you have 4 runways...:D

:cheers:

Yes, the most pressing problem is how to liberalize the air space throughout China as much of it is restricted for military use. The added infrastructure means little when only a small number of flights can be accomodated in the air.

Soft landing for airport row woman
The Standard
Tuesday, January 29, 2013

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An airport row yesterday ended with a distressed Filipina peeling down to her bare essentials in the departure area at Chek Lap Kok to make a statement.

Photos of the woman, clad only in her bra and panties, were quickly uploaded to a Chinese microblogging website.

When police first arrived to investigate, they found her fully clothed.

Hours later, when officers responded to another report of the woman arguing with airline staff over her flight to the Philippines, they found her in a state of undress.

Emergency medical personnel called to the scene deemed her to be mentally unstable, and took her to hospital for further observations and treatment.

Very funny.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8090/8436699539_7ee699b53a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisjunker/8436699539/)
Boeing | 777-FHT | TNT | OO-TSB | Hong Kong | HKG | VHHH (http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisjunker/8436699539/) by Christian Junker | PHOTOGRAPHY (http://www.flickr.com/people/chrisjunker/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8507/8431395121_d01d48ca66_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisjunker/8431395121/)
Boeing | 747-4B5 | Korean Air | Welcome to Korea Scheme | HL7495 | Hong Kong | HKG | VHHH (http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisjunker/8431395121/) by Christian Junker | PHOTOGRAPHY (http://www.flickr.com/people/chrisjunker/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8359/8429742524_f7fb398278_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisjunker/8429742524/)
Boeing | 747-87UF/SCD | Polar Air Cargo (DHL) | N853GT | Hong Kong | HKG | VHHH (http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisjunker/8429742524/) by Christian Junker | PHOTOGRAPHY (http://www.flickr.com/people/chrisjunker/), on Flickr

Malaysia Airlines will launch A380 service to Hong Kong from 1 May 2013 on the MH072/073 service. The airline also previously planned to introduce a third daily flight (MH432/433) from 15 June 2013; this plan remains unchanged at the moment following operational aircraft changes. Schedules:

MH072 KUL0915 – 1305HKG 380 D
MH432 KUL1540 – 1930HKG 738 D
MH078 KUL1915 – 2305HKG 738 D

MH079 HKG0845 – 1225KUL 738 D
MH073 HKG1445 – 1825KUL 380 D
MH433 HKG2030 – 0010+1KUL 738 D

Source (http://airlineroute.net/2013/01/31/mh-hkg-may13/)

^^ what aircraft is currently operated for this flight?

According to MH's Official Timetable (http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/content/dam/mas/master/en/pdf/book-plan/mh_timetable_december_march2013.pdf), there is a discrepancy:

MH 072/073 currently operates with an A330-300
MH 078/079 currently operates with a B737-800; however, MH 079 is listed as EQV, meaning any aircraft could operate on the route, not just the B738.

Qantas Plans Earlier Flights to Asia Amid Business Class Push
By David Fickling - Feb 4, 2013 7:47 AM GMT+0800

Qantas Airways Ltd. (QAN), Australia’s largest carrier, will fly seven Asian routes earlier in the day and cancel Frankfurt services sooner than planned amid a tie-up with Emirates.

Flights into Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok will be brought forward by as much as about four hours, using capacity freed up by the agreement with Emirates, the Sydney-based airline said in a regulatory statement. The airline is considering refurbishing its Airbus SAS A330 aircraft to include lie-flat beds in business class and add capacity to Singapore and Hong Kong, it said.

Full article : http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-03/qantas-plans-earlier-flights-to-asia-amid-business-class-push.html

^^Qantas is axing PER - HKG. But increasing BNE -HKG to a daily service.

Here are the route change details for Hong Kong per their press release : http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/media-releases/feb-2013/5486/global/en

ROUTE CHANGE STARTS Old dept/ arrival times (24hrs) New dept/ arrival times (24hrs)
QANTAS SERVICES
Melbourne–Hong Kong QF29 Melbourne-Hong Kong retimed to better connect to onward flights within Asia. 31 March 2013 1330 / 2100 0935 / 1710
Sydney–Hong Kong QF127 Sydney-Hong Kong retimed. Services reduce from 11 per week to 7 per week (removal of QF87/88 Sydney-Hong Kong). 31 March 2013 1040 / 1745 0955 / 1725
Brisbane–Hong Kong QF97/98 Brisbane-Hong Kong increased from four flights per week to five in May and to daily in June. All services retimed from 31 March 2013 to better connect to onward flights within Asia. 6 May 2013; 24 June 2013 1100 / 1755 1020 / 1725
Perth–Hong Kong QF67/68 Perth-Hong Kong ceases to operate. 31 March 2013

Source : http://pic.feeyo.com/posts/579/5794399.html

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Flight from Hong Kong had a close call over India :

Close shave for planes
Telegraph India
Sat 19 Jan, 2013

A Qatar Airways plane from Doha and a Belgian aircraft from Hong Kong came within seconds of each other in the sky 148km west of Calcutta on Thursday.

The Qatar plane was headed to Calcutta while the TNT Airlines plane was going to Dubai. There were over 200 people on board the aircraft, which came dangerously close at 30,000ft in the air.

The air traffic control in Calcutta described the incident, around 12.30pm, as "a near miss".

The directorate general of civil aviation on Friday ordered a probe into the incident.

Airport sources said the Qatar Airways flight was at 35,000ft and the TNT flight at 30,000ft.

"The Qatar airways flight was asked to descend to one route but it descended to another because of a communication problem," said an airport official.

The pilots realised the planes were too close to each other when the in-flight pilot alarm system sounded an alert and asked the Qatar Airways flight to ascend.

A piece of equipment called TCAS (traffic collision avoidance system), which alerts the pilot if another aircraft is in the vicinity and provides guidance to avoid collision, is installed in most modern aircraft.

"We are probing the incident. The investigating official will submit a report," said an official of the directorate general of civil aviation.

Some interesting flight news from Ethiopian Airlines:

Ethiopian Airlines will adjust its East Asian operations starting 18 June 2013, in which it will reallocate its existing services to serve three new destinations. Two of the new routes will operate via Hong Kong, namely Manila and Seoul-Incheon.

Current setup: 1 daily Addis Ababa – Bangkok – Hong Kong

Future setup: 1 daily Addis Ababa – Hong Kong nonstop, with two routes:

Addis Ababa – Hong Kong – Manila: 3 weekly B767-300ER
ET628 ADD0005 – 1500HKG1600 – 1800MNL 763 246
ET629 MNL2200 – 2355HKG0055+1 – 0655+1ADD 763 246

Addis Ababa – Hong Kong – Seoul Incheon: 4 weekly B767-300ER from 24JUN13
ET608 ADD2315 – 1415+1HKG1515+1 – 1930+1ICN 763 x135
ET609 ICN2050 – 2335HKG0035+1 – 0635+1ADD 763 x246

Notes:
- ET does not have local traffic rights on Hong Kong – Manila sector. Reservations for the ADD-HKG-MNL flight opened 1 February 2013.
- ET does not have local traffic rights on Hong Kong – Seoul Incheon sector. Reservations for the ADD-HKG-ICN flight started midday 5 February 2013 for ADD departure.
- Planned service may be altered due to on-going investigation with Boeing 787 grounding.

Source (http://airlineroute.net/2013/02/04/et-asia-jun13/)

^ Interesting news. I haven't seen a press release from them yet about this. Wonder why they didn't push for 5th freedoms for Manila and Seoul? Seoul also is served by Air India and Thai from Hong Kong.

^ Interesting news. I haven't seen a press release from them yet about this. Wonder why they didn't push for 5th freedoms for Manila and Seoul? Seoul also is served by Air India and Thai from Hong Kong.

That's a very interesting question. Perhaps ET wants to serve both MNL and ICN as full routes rather than just a portion of them, as both destinations already have a lot of flights operating to them from HKG. On top of that, perhaps ET wants to keep its ADD passengers intact up to both destinations...

Here's yet another interesting news from another African carrier operating to Hong Kong, Kenya Airways:

Kenya Airways will adjust its Asian operations from 31 March 2013, and it will include adjustments to its Hong Kong service.

Current setup:
The airline operates thrice weekly Nairobi-Hong Kong service via Bangkok.

From 31 March 2013:
Kenya Airways will reroute its thrice weekly Nairobi-Hong Kong flight via Dubai, effectively canceling existing route via Bangkok. On top of it, the airline has local traffic rights on the DXB-HKG sector, making it the third airline after Emirates and Cathay Pacific to operate such service. Schedules:

KQ862 NBO2245 – 0500+1DXB0600+1 – 1810+1HKG 763 135

KQ863 HKG2120 – 0130+1DXB0310+1 – 0725+1NBO 763 2
KQ863 HKG2120 – 0130+1DXB0240+1 – 0655+1NBO 763 6
KQ863 HKG2150 – 0200+1DXB0405+1 – 0820+1NBO 763 4

KQ will still fly daily between Nairobi and Bangkok; however, the thrice-weekly flights allocated to HKG will be transferred to CAN from 31 March 2013, effectively making Nairobi-Guangzhou via Bangkok a daily service.

Source (http://airlineroute.net/2013/02/06/kq-asia-s13/)

Here's yet another interesting news from another African carrier operating to Hong Kong, Kenya Airways:

Kenya Airways will adjust its Asian operations from 31 March 2013, and it will include adjustments to its Hong Kong service.

Current setup:
The airline operates thrice weekly Nairobi-Hong Kong service via Bangkok.

From 31 March 2013:
Kenya Airways will reroute its thrice weekly Nairobi-Hong Kong flight via Dubai, effectively canceling existing route via Bangkok. On top of it, the airline has local traffic rights on the DXB-HKG sector, making it the third airline after Emirates and Cathay Pacific to operate such service. Schedules:

KQ862 NBO2245 – 0500+1DXB0600+1 – 1810+1HKG 763 135

KQ863 HKG2120 – 0130+1DXB0310+1 – 0725+1NBO 763 2
KQ863 HKG2120 – 0130+1DXB0240+1 – 0655+1NBO 763 6
KQ863 HKG2150 – 0200+1DXB0405+1 – 0820+1NBO 763 4

KQ will still fly daily between Nairobi and Bangkok; however, the thrice-weekly flights allocated to HKG will be transferred to CAN from 31 March 2013, effectively making Nairobi-Guangzhou via Bangkok a daily service.

Source (http://airlineroute.net/2013/02/06/kq-asia-s13/)

How does this arrangement impact the QF BKK-SYD code share....?

^^ KQ will still operate NBO-BKK daily... it's just that the flight will be reallocated to CAN to become a daily NBO-BKK-CAN service. I think there will be no changes with the codesharing.

^^ KQ will still operate NBO-BKK daily... it's just that the flight will be reallocated to CAN to become a daily NBO-BKK-CAN service. I think there will be no changes with the codesharing.

Cheers, thanks for clarifying...

By LY7610 from a Hong Kong discussion forum :

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RMB9! Ultra-low flight ticket price from Xiamen to Hong Kong makes a stir
Updated: 05 Feb 2013
http://www.whatsonxiamen.com/news29394.html

http://www.whatsonxiamen.com/news_images/3046Chunqiu-Xiamen-HongKong-flight.jpg
The Shanghai-headquartered budget airline Spring Airlines is offering flights between Xiamen and Hong Kong for just 9 yuan from 23th February to 27th March (Photo: Website screenshot)

Believe it or not, the flight ticket for a single trip from Xiamen to Hong Kong is as low as 9 yuan, or less than 2 US dollars.

The Shanghai-headquartered budget airline Spring Airlines is offering flights between Xiamen and Hong Kong for just 9 yuan from 23th February to 27th March.

The ultra-low price, which is claimed as the lowest ever airfare for any flights departing from Xiamen, has attracted a lot of attention and, also, sparked suspicion of commercial hype.

An official of Spring Airlines’ branch office in Xiamen has confirmed the price, which does not include the fuel surcharge or airport construction fees, while adding that they also launched another 32 9-yuan domestic flight routes covering Shanghai, Shenyang, Shijiazhuang and other cities in late January.

An industry observer, however, pointed out that it’s nothing but a method of commercial hype frequently used by budget airlines to attract attention.

"Normally, only a few of these super-low tickets are available,” said the observer, “The departure time is not very friendly, and the average seat occupancy for the route is always low especially in a post-Spring Festival slack season for travel, so it would better to be cheap rather than be empty.”

LCQ18: Competitiveness of Hong Kong's travel and tourism industry
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Government Press Release Excerpt

Following is a written reply by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, to a question by the Hon Abraham Shek in the Legislative Council today (February 6):

Question:

According to the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2011, Hong Kong had an overall ranking of 12 among 139 countries and places in the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index in 2011, which is two places behind Singapore. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(b) given that Hong Kong ranked 43rd in the area of "ticket taxes and airport charges", whether the Government has assessed the correlation between the current level of the airport fees (e.g. landing fee, terminal building charge, parking fee and boarding bridge charge) charged by the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and HKIA's competitiveness among the major airports in Asia; if it has, of the details of the assessment outcome; if not, the reasons for that; whether the Government has considered lowering the airport passenger departure tax to attract more tourists to Hong Kong; if it has, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and


Reply:

President,

My reply to various parts of the question is as follows :

(b) The Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is the world's busiest cargo gateway and one of the world's 10 busiest passenger airports. At present, there are around 100 airlines operating about 6 700 flights per week, serving about 170 destinations worldwide. According to a review on Airport Charges conducted by LeighFisher (Note 1) in 2011, HKIA's airport charges (Note 2) ranked the lowest (i.e. the most competitive) among 50 international airports. In the same Review, the consultant also compared other airports, including Tokyo (ranked sixth), Seoul Incheon (ranked 30th), Bangkok (ranked 34th), Singapore (ranked 46th) and Kuala Lumpur (ranked 49th).

The current rate of the Air Passenger Departure Tax (APDT) is HK$120 per passenger (12 years of age or above) departing by air from Hong Kong through HKIA, or by helicopter from Hong Kong at the Heliport at the Hong Kong – Macau Ferry Terminal. The rate has remained unchanged since 2004. Given that the APDT only accounts for a negligible sum of the overall cost of travelling, we believe this does not constitute a major factor for consideration of whether or not to visit Hong Kong. We have no plan at this stage to adjust the APDT.

Note 2: Airport charges include landing charge, parking charge, airbridge charge and terminal building charge.

United Airlines will double its Guam-Hong Kong service from 1 April 2013 from 2 weekly to 4 weekly flights on board B737-800. Schedule:

UA147 GUM1840 – 2150HKG 738 x247
UA180 HKG2245 – 0550+1GUM 738 15
UA180 HKG2250 – 0555+1GUM 738 36

Source (http://airlineroute.net/2013/02/08/ua-gumhkg-s13/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8111/8469280678_d6fe9ef51a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/90806218@N08/8469280678/)
Asiana Airlines, A330-323X, HL7795, VHHH (http://www.flickr.com/photos/90806218@N08/8469280678/) by Samuels Transportation (http://www.flickr.com/people/90806218@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8240/8451553754_5852e31c79_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/90806218@N08/8451553754/)
Orient Thai, B747-412, HS-STC, VHHH (http://www.flickr.com/photos/90806218@N08/8451553754/) by Samuels Transportation (http://www.flickr.com/people/90806218@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8186/8426064457_0b9c94ba4d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/90806218@N08/8426064457/)
Cathay Pacific Airways, VHHH (http://www.flickr.com/photos/90806218@N08/8426064457/) by Samuels Transportation (http://www.flickr.com/people/90806218@N08/), on Flickr

Two passengers arrested after in-flight punch-up over kids
The Standard
Thursday, February 14, 2013

Two Hong Kong men got into a punch- up on a flight from Thailand after one scolded the other's children for disturbing him.

Police said the two passengers punched each other on the Orient Thai Airlines flight on Tuesday at about 10pm. They were arrested when the flight landed at Hong Kong International Airport an hour later.

A 63-year-old man named Ho was said to have been disturbed by the children of the other man, named Leung, 47, about two hours into the flight from Bangkok.

The youngsters were sitting next to Ho, who scolded the children for their behavior.

Leung defended his children and told the older man he had no right to accuse them. The quarrel became more heated and blows were exchanged, causing passengers nearby to flee their seats.

Flight attendants failed to settle the argument and called police.

Police entered the aircraft as soon as it landed and arrested the pair for assault. Both men were sent to Princess Margaret Hospital and discharged after being treated.

Police said the case is under investigation.

The Hong Kong Airport Authority was notified by attendants who asked for an ambulance for an injured person.

Orient Thai Airlines is popular as its flights depart for Thailand in the morning and arrive back in Hong Kong late at night.

HKIA Sees Sustained Growth in Cargo Tonnage and Aircraft Movements
Press Release

HONG KONG, 17 February 2013 － Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) announced that January air cargo throughput at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) grew by 21.2% year on year to 334,000 tonnes. The airport also registered 30,290 aircraft movements, an increase of 4.4% compared to the same month last year. Passenger volume decreased by 5.1% to 4.6 million primarily because this year's Chinese New Year falls in February whereas that in 2012 was in January.

Hong Kong resident travel dropped 21% year on year while visitor traffic grew by 2%. Transfer/ transit traffic registered a slight decrease of 1%.

On the cargo side, all major HKIA markets showed growth over January 2012, with Taiwan and North America outperforming other key regions. Imports, exports and transshipments all grew by double digits.

Stanley Hui Hon-Chung, Chief Executive Officer of AAHK, said the substantial surge in cargo throughput and the single-digit drop in passenger trips were mainly attributable to the timing impact of Chinese New Year. "It is worth noting that meaningful year-on-year comparisons can only be made with the numbers of January and February combined. Over the Chinese New Year holidays, a total of over 600 extra flights will be arranged to various popular holiday destinations for Hong Kong residents such as Taipei, Bangkok and Seoul. We expect to see a surge in travel by Hong Kong residents over the Chinese New Year holidays in mid February. Likewise, with most factories on the Mainland closed for the Chinese New Year holidays, air cargo is expected to decline in February over last year.

Mr Hui added that the combined traffic statistics for the first two months would be available in March.

On a rolling 12-month basis, passenger traffic rose 3.2% year on year to 56.2 million. Both cargo tonnage and aircraft movements climbed 5.2% over the same period to 4.1 million tonnes and 352,950 respectively.

http://www.hongkongairport.com/pr_download/Jan2013e.pdf

Source : http://pic.feeyo.com/posts/580/5805096.html

http://pic.feeyo.com/pic/20130219/201302190915494383.jpg

http://pic.feeyo.com/pic/20130219/201302190918508036.jpg

http://pic.feeyo.com/pic/20130219/201302190937137579.jpg

http://pic.feeyo.com/pic/20130219/20130219023921557.jpg

Nice pics.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8238/8493938759_76def1e431_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vagabondproject/8493938759/)
Sparse, spacious terminals at HKG. with Lily at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) – View on Path. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vagabondproject/8493938759/) by Drew MacKenzie .com (http://www.flickr.com/people/vagabondproject/), on Flickr

Cheap flights can land with a new bill
The Standard
Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Complaints to the Consumer Council about budget airlines reached 167 last year after 57 in 2011.

The gripes involved online bookings, charges, service quality and cancellation of flights.

After a study of seven budget airlines, council vice chairman Ambrose Ho Pui-him said the lesson is that people must check carefully on charges and the spread of services before buying tickets.

Typical was a Mr Chan thinking he had found a cheap flight from Hong Kong to Shanghai only to be informed it was canceled. He was asked to pay an extra HK$60 administrative fee for a full refund.

The council stepped in and Chan eventually got a full refund of HK$2,064 without a fee sting.

"To reduce the operational cost, budget airlines unbundle fares and services," Ho said. "This means fees on counter reservation, baggage delivery and in-flight catering are charged separately. Many disputes between consumers and airlines are a result of different understandings of these fees."

This underlined the message for there to be a careful reading of terms and conditions - especially arrangements in the event of a flight delay or cancellation - before making a choice.

Away from airlines, there were 92 complaints about wedding photography services, with 26 cases involving firms outside Hong Kong.

Most complaints related to sales practices, picture quality, delays in delivery and prices.

Ho said people should not rely on verbal assurances and also ensure that firms put all promises and conditions in clear written form.

A Ms Yiu purchased a wedding photography package for HK$17,589 in Yunnan but was told the pictures could not be edited unless she paid another HK$3,800. Additionally, she had to pay HK$510 for the photos to be sent to Hong Kong.

Even when the council had stepped in, the wedding firm refused to give Yiu a refund as those terms were written into the agreement.

"Some packages highlight so-called special prices to attract customers," Ho pointed out.

The studies are now in Choice magazine.

Aviation passenger fuel surcharges adjusted
Monday, February 25, 2013
Government Press Release

The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) today (February 25) approved the passenger fuel surcharges for the period from March 1 to March 31.

The new maximum levels of fuel surcharges will be $242 for short-haul flights and $962 for long-haul flights, which represent increases of 7 per cent and 6 per cent from the current maximum levels for short-haul and long-haul flights respectively. The applicable surcharge levels are based on the ticket issue date. The approved fuel surcharge levels of individual airlines have been published on the CAD's website (www.cad.gov.hk).

Passenger fuel surcharges seek to allow airlines to partially recover the increase in operational costs due to fluctuations in aviation fuel prices. As the aeronautical authority in Hong Kong, the CAD considers and approves fuel surcharge applications from the airlines in accordance with bilateral Air Services Agreements.

Passenger fuel surcharges are reviewed regularly by the CAD. The last review was done in January when the maximum surcharge levels approved by the CAD were $227 for short-haul flights and $908 for long-haul flights.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8519/8503504692_7e2720ce37_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/32829782@N02/8503504692/)
Air India (AI/AIC) / 777-337ER / VT-ALU / 02-06-2011 / HKG (http://www.flickr.com/photos/32829782@N02/8503504692/) by Mohit Purswani (http://www.flickr.com/people/32829782@N02/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8094/8503306686_85dcd6435c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/32829782@N02/8503306686/)
Private / Las Vegas Sands Corporation / 767-3P6ER / N804MS / 02-12-2013 / HKG (http://www.flickr.com/photos/32829782@N02/8503306686/) by Mohit Purswani (http://www.flickr.com/people/32829782@N02/), on Flickr

Jetstar Hong Kong seeks next tourist hot spots
New low-cost carrier plans to avoid congested airports, instead focusing on destinations which are less developed in the tourist market
Tuesday, 26 February, 2013, 12:00am
South China Morning Post

Jetstar Group, one of Asia's leading budget carriers, is confident its cost-savings will give it the advantage in Hong Kong. Photo: Bloomberg

Jetstar Hong Kong Airways, the low-cost carrier (LCC) seeking regulatory approval from the Hong Kong government, said a shortage of landing slots at popular airports is one of the obstacles its operations face.

"We will avoid destinations which are already crowded and served by many of our competitors," said Nick Rohrlach, executive vice-president of Jetstar Hong Kong.

Bali, one of the most popular getaway destinations, would not be on the carrier's radar as the airport in Denpasar was severely congested, Rohrlach said.

On the other hand, it was in search of other less-visited resort islands in Asia such as Lombok, Indonesia, which have yet to be fully developed as tourist spots.

Mainland China, Japan and South Korea are also target markets for Jetstar Hong Kong.

Rohrlach said the carrier was looking closely at different destinations in the Yangtze River Delta, except for Shanghai, where the air rights have been taken by existing carriers.

However, competition is likely to provide headwinds for new entrants on the mainland.

"Mainland destinations like Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Xiamen and Haikou are already subject to fierce competition and are at present invariably loss-making," said a report by aviation think tank Strategic Access.

Competition is stiff even in some second-tier cities, such as Hangzhou, Chengdu and Chongqing, which are served by at least three carriers already, the report said.

Apart from this, the competition from high-speed railways also limits the choice of destinations. "We will not tap into the market which falls into the three-hour train ride from Hong Kong," Rohrlach said.

China is the last area with significant traffic demand for budget carriers where their market share is below 7 per cent, compared with 17 per cent in Asia and 28 per cent in Europe.

The LCC market share in China, however, has come a long way from a mere 1 per cent in 2005.

Still, analysts have doubts if the LCC model will play out well in Hong Kong, since it is a high-cost city with only one airport with limited slots for landing.

But Jetstar Group, launched in 2004 and one of the leading Asian LCCs, is confident its cost-savings will give it the advantage in the city.

For example, the turnaround time for Jetstar aircraft - the time between parking and leaving the air bridge - is just 30 minutes, compared with one hour for a full-service carrier.

There are only four cabin crew on board every Jetstar plane, compared with five to six for full-service carriers. The reduced manning is because in-flight meal services need to be paid for by passengers.

Lastly, Jetstar pilots and cabin crew are trained to multi-task. For example, Jetstar pilots have to weigh the aircraft by themselves and decide how much fuel is needed. Cabin crew also clean the plane after passengers leave.

Jetstar HK, which is waiting for an air operator's certificate, will receive its first A320 from Airbus by the end of March, followed by an approval flight with the aviation watchdog, the Civil Aviation Department, in April. The first cabin crew training will be held on February 25 and pilots will be trained in March.

LCQ4: Hong Kong International Airport's plan to build third runway
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Government Press Release

Following is a question by the Hon Ng Leung-sing and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Professor Anthony Cheung Bing-leung, in the Legislative Council today (February 27):

Question:

It has been reported that the "Overall Plan of Nansha New District of Guangzhou (2011-2030)", published by the Guangzhou Urban Planning Bureau last month, has revealed that the mainland authorities intend to build the second airport of Guangzhou in the southwestern part of Wanqinsha Town in Nansha District. In this connection, will the
Government inform this Council:

(a) whether it has assessed the challenges to Hong Kong and the co-operation opportunities between Guangdong and Hong Kong to be brought by the aforesaid airport construction project; and

(b) of the impact of the aforesaid airport construction project on the plan of the Hong Kong International Airport to build the third runway?

Reply:

President,

The Plan for the Development of Nansha New District of Guangzhou (2011-2030) proposes to study the development of a business jet airport in the area. According to our understanding, the proposed plan is still under study and details are yet to be available.

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is one of the world's busiest passenger and cargo airports whereas the above proposed airport development should be designed for business jets. The two airports differ in their positioning and major target users. The mutual influence between the two airports should therefore be insignificant. That notwithstanding, we will continue to keep in view the development of the proposed business jet airport, and assess the possible challenges and co-operation opportunities which may be brought to Hong Kong when more information is available.

Although there are already a few airports in the region, external connectivity is vital to maintaining Hong Kong's competitiveness and status as an international business and aviation centre. As such, it is crucial to ensure that HKIA has adequate facilities and capacity to meet the forecast air traffic demand. In 2012, the Government gave in-principle approval for the Airport Authority (AA) to adopt the three-runway system as the future development plan for HKIA. AA is taking forward the specific planning work relating to the three-runway system, including the statutory environmental impact assessment, associated design details and financing arrangements, etc. When the relevant assessments and other information are available, the Government will make the final decision on the implementation of the three-runway system. Currently, the three-runway system is expected to commence operation in 2023.

HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TERMINAL 2
taken by me:)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8383/8516321010_eb328c145f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8516321010/)
HKIA Terminal Two (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8516321010/) by artifiedme (http://www.flickr.com/people/73142903@N05/), on Flickr
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8235/8516323006_277b60de7a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8516323006/)
HKIA Terminal Two (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8516323006/) by artifiedme (http://www.flickr.com/people/73142903@N05/), on Flickr
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8375/8516324128_bcc973326f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8516324128/)
HKIA Terminal Two (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8516324128/) by artifiedme (http://www.flickr.com/people/73142903@N05/), on Flickr

Airport Authority Hong Kong Welcomes Financial Secretary's Budget Proposal
Press Release

HONG KONG, 27 February 2013 – Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) today said it welcomes the Financial Secretary's proposal for the 2013-14 Budget, including its intention to designate HK$100 million for the establishment of a training fund for maritime and aviation transport. The fund is anticipated to help support and expand various schemes and scholarships for the industry, contributing to its sustainable development.

Stanley Hui Hon-chung, Chief Executive Officer of the AA, said, "The designated training fund will help attract young talent to work in aviation, and the AA and business partners will continue to work closely together to formulate other incentives that can help draw talent to the airport community."

Mr Hui added that in addition to conducting studies on the various Environmental Impact Assessment aspects, the AA is currently planning the design details of the proposed three-runway system, which will include the development of the North Commercial District of Chek Lap Kok Airport Island. The AA is considering land use in terms of the airport’s operational as well as commercial needs, with the aim of enhancing the overall value of the airport and its neighbouring areas.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8093/8477725630_96f91088a4_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/florent_peraudeau/8477725630/)
F-WWBV // B-KJA Jetstar Hong Kong Airbus A320-232 - cn 5532 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/florent_peraudeau/8477725630/) by Flox Papa (http://www.flickr.com/people/florent_peraudeau/), on Flickr

Terminal One
taken by me:)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8509/8516393000_74cc35eba2_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8516393000/)
HKIA Terminal One Concourse (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8516393000/) by artifiedme (http://www.flickr.com/people/73142903@N05/), on Flickr
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8523/8515279457_13ed62f178_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8515279457/)
HKIA Terminal One (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8515279457/) by artifiedme (http://www.flickr.com/people/73142903@N05/), on Flickr
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8227/8515280009_2f1a96eedc_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8515280009/)
HKIA Terminal One Ceiling (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8515280009/) by artifiedme (http://www.flickr.com/people/73142903@N05/), on Flickr
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8108/8515284187_184f151f4e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8515284187/)
HKIA Terminal One Shopping (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8515284187/) by artifiedme (http://www.flickr.com/people/73142903@N05/), on Flickr
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8392/8515285695_80a85473a1_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8515285695/)
Lost in Transit..... (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73142903@N05/8515285695/) by artifiedme (http://www.flickr.com/people/73142903@N05/), on Flickr

Hactl handles its largest-ever horse charter
(1 March 2013, Hong Kong)

Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) has handled the largest horse shipment on a single flight in its 37-year history.

The shipment of 63 show-jumpers, which touched down on 24 February, were flown in from Liege as arranged by Lufthansa Cargo on a B747 chartered freighter to take part in the first Longines Hong Kong Masters at AsiaWorld-Expo from 28 February to 2 March, Hong Kong's first international show jumping event and the only five-star accredited competition on the equestrian calendar to take place in Asia.

On arrival in Hong Kong, the horses were unloaded from the aircraft and transferred to Hactl’s Livestock Handling Centre, located to minimise exposure to potentially stressful ramp noise. The horses were transferred in their air stalls to the Centre, where they negotiated a gently-sloping ramp – essential to prevent leg injuries - onto waiting air-conditioned horse-boxes arranged by Hong Kong Jockey Club. Hactl deployed a team of highly-trained professionals to assist in handling the shipment.

Ruediger Helm, Regional Director, South China and Taiwan of Lufthansa Cargo says: "We were delighted to be appointed as the official carrier to handle this very valuable shipment for such a prestigious and exciting new event. Although we regularly carry such valuable cargo, this was one of the largest movements we have handled to date. We thank Hactl for their major contribution to its successful outcome."

Adds Hactl Chief Executive Mark Whitehead: "We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Lufthansa Cargo on this special shipment. And I am pleased that all horses were safe and healthy upon arrival and transferred smoothly from loading to the horse-boxes. We are already well prepared for the post-event shipment, ensuring that all horses return home comfortably.

Show jumping in Hong Kong and Asia is fast growing in popularity. We expect such shipments to become more frequent in the future, and are confident that the success of this movement, combined with the HK$14 million investment we have made in our live animal handling facility, will contribute to Hong Kong's appeal as a major international show-jumping venue."

Red Carpet Route Gets First British Airways A380 – Tickets Now On Sale
Press Release
Posted on Tuesday, March 5th, 2013

British Airways’ first Airbus A380 will fly on the “Red Carpet Route” to Los Angeles, with tickets going on sale today (March 5, 2013).

The home of Hollywood will be the inaugural destination for the first A380 to be operated by a UK airline. The double-decker superjumbo is due to be delivered to British Airways in July and seats are now on sale for flights from October 15, 2013.

In celebration, the airline is launching with an offer to Los Angeles. Fares start at £499 return in World Traveller (economy) with a special £380 upgrade available for customers wanting to move up to World Traveller Plus. Club World return fares start from £3,800 for two people (£1,900 each).

London-based actress Gemma Arterton (see picture) said: “Working in film means that I spend a lot of time travelling around the world, often to Hollywood. It’s essential to arrive feeling fresh and ready for the day ahead, as I often hit the ground running, and I prefer to travel in style with British Airways.

“It’s very exciting that the A380 will be flying to Los Angeles. I think the red carpet route will be very popular.”

The second A380 route will be to Hong Kong, and customers can book flights now for travel from November 15, 2013. Prices start from £559 return in economy or, for an additional £380, customers can upgrade to World Traveller Plus. Club World tickets again start from £3,800 for two people (£1,900 each).

A380 enthusiasts eager to be on the very first commercial services should note that dates for these will be announced once plans for training flights are completed.

The airline is also offering holidays to the new A380 destinations in November including five nights for the price of four at the 5* Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach in Los Angeles from £839 per person or four nights at the 4* Eaton Hong Kong from £759 per person.

The airline’s website, www.ba.com will feature information on the new aircraft, including computer generated imagery (CGI) and two short films will be available via youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgN3NAxxWsg and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5fSLrVzpxg to give customers a feel for the aircraft. Customers can book via the website or by calling 0844 493 0787.

The A380 will be the largest aircraft in the British Airways fleet, accommodating 469 customers across four cabins. Customers in First will be seated at the front of the main deck. The cabin will offer 14 seats and is evolved from the current First class. Club World (business class) customers can choose from 44 seats on the main deck, or 53 seats on the upper deck. These upper deck seats will feature a new 2:3:2 configuration across the cabin. The 55 World Traveller Plus (premier economy) seats will be located on the upper deck while World Traveller (economy) customers can choose seats on both the main and upper deck. Both cabins will feature the airline’s current design, which is now flying on the new B777-300ER fleet.

The aircraft’s innovative design makes it much quieter during take-off and landing and more fuel efficient than its predecessors. British Airways has ordered 12 for delivery by 2016 as part of a £5bn investment over five years in new aircraft, smarter cabins, elegant lounges, and new technologies to make life more comfortable in the air and on the ground.

Keith Williams, British Airways’ chief executive, said: “This will be a very special premiere. The A380 is a great aircraft that has been developed with huge amounts of British engineering ingenuity. London and Los Angeles are two world-leading cities, and we are proud to be the first airline to connect them with the A380.”

The arrival of the A380 has entailed a multi-million pound redevelopment of British Airways’ Heathrow engineering base to support maintenance of the world’s largest commercial aircraft type. This included two 24-tonne roof ‘eyebrows’ being lifted into place in one of the hangars to raise the height of the entrance to accommodate the A380’s 24-metre tailfin.

Notes to Editors:

* More details are available at: http://www.britishairways.com/en/information/flight-information/airbus-a380
* Customers are advised that the flights going on sale today are unlikely to be the inaugural or very first flights of the new aircraft. British Airways will finalise the dates of the inaugural flights over the next few months.
* The offer price to Los Angeles and Hong Kong apply to the routes and are not aircraft specific.
* The offer runs from March 5 to March 15, 2013 for selected travel dates. Seats are limited and subject to availability.
* All prices quoted are return and include taxes, fees and charges.
* The holiday packages are based on two people sharing, for travel in November. The price includes return British Airways flights from London Heathrow and room only accommodation. Visit ba.com or call 0844 493 0758.
* Full details of the interior of the British Airways A380 will be unveiled when it arrives at Heathrow in July.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8389/8527305315_6b4e1aaa30_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/a7mdo_/8527305315/)
Airport (http://www.flickr.com/photos/a7mdo_/8527305315/) by a7MDo_ (http://www.flickr.com/people/a7mdo_/), on Flickr

Source : http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/trip_reports/read.main/233395/

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Virus watch call goes to flight crews
The Standard
Monday, March 11, 2013

Flight crews have been urged to be vigilant against the novel coronavirus, the cause of an acute respiratory infection, fever and coughing.

There have been 14 cases and eight deaths worldwide, with the Middle East the hardest hit.

Secretary for Food and Health Ko Wing-man called for vigilance after a 31-year-old man - an airline crew member - went to Saudi Arabia between March 4 and 7 and had a fever by Saturday.

He was admitted to the isolation facility at Queen Elizabeth Hospital with what was suspected to be respiratory trouble associated with the virus. But tests showed he was in fact suffering from flu.

His wife, suffering with a cough and sore throat, also tested negative for the virus after going into isolation at the hospital.

Ko noted there have been two scares involving airline crew members and, while both proved negative, authorities are considering stepping up preventive measures. These include shaping a warning, "in particular for inbound air flights and especially from the affected areas."

A spokeswoman for Cathay Pacific said the airline has "clear guidelines" for all crew and frontline staff on handling a suspected infectious disease, and it provides regular updates on the novel coronavirus.

But Julian Yau Chi-hung, vice chairman of Cathay Pacific Airways Flight Attendants Union, said: "We hope more masks and gloves can be provided to crew members and passengers, particularly on Middle East flights."

Environmental impact report on third runway ready by year end
Monday, 11 March, 2013
South China Morning Post

An assessment of the impact a proposed third runway might have on the environment will likely be ready by year end, the Airport Authority chief says.

Stanley Hui Hon-chung, who was at the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in Beijing, also said a government cash injection to fund the multibillion-dollar project at Chek Lap Kok airport would be inevitable.

But he declined to say how much government funding he had in mind.

"We will try our best to reduce and mitigate possible pollution and adopt compensatory measures if needed," Hui said. "We should be able to submit the report … by the end of this year."

The assessment, which began in August, would cover areas such as how air and noise quality as well as the Chinese white dolphins' habitat would be affected, Hui said. The authority last year estimated the assessment would cost about HK$100 million and take up to two years to complete.

"It will be inevitable to require government funds to share the cost [of building the third runway]," Hui said. "We could also issue bonds or borrow."

The Executive Council in March last year backed the proposal to build the third runway on reclaimed land instead of expanding the airport island. It would involve reclaiming about 650 hectares north of the airport island at a projected cost of HK$136.2 billion after inflation.

Transport and Housing Minister Anthony Cheung Bing-leung had in January forecast the new runway to be completed in 2023. The Airport Authority said the runway, when completed, would be able to cope with the projected air traffic increase up to and even beyond 2030.

Last year, the airport handled 4.03 million tonnes of cargo.

Mid-field Terminal Construction

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Let me update you on HKG operations:

Cathay Pacific to Extend Los Angeles Service Increase to Winter 2013-14 Season (http://airlineroute.net/2013/03/13/cx-lax-w13/)

The airline has adjusted its Hong Kong-Los Angeles operation, in which it appears on the GDS that it will maintain its 20-weekly level of service, to be introduced in Summer 2013, through Winter 2013. Originally, the flight increase from 17 to 20 weekly was to be maintained until 26 October 2013, with a return to 17-weekly service from 27 October 2013. Schedules:

CX884 HKG1305 – 0940LAX 77W x3
CX882 HKG1635 – 1305LAX 77W D
CX880 HKG2345 – 2015LAX 77W D

CX881 LAX0005 – 0740+1HKG 77W D
CX885 LAX1125 – 1905+1HKG 77W x3
CX883 LAX2215 – 0555+2HKG 77W D

Additional changes remain possible in the next few months.

Aeroflot Winter 2013-14 Long-Haul Flight Changes as of 12 March 2013 (http://airlineroute.net/2013/03/12/su-longhaul-w13update1/)

Moscow Sheremetyevo – Hong Kong:
From 27 October to 22 December 2013, Boeing 777-300ER operates daily, replacing Airbus A330-300.

Lufthansa to Begin Boeing 747-8I Operation to Hong Kong from 31 March 2013 (http://airlineroute.net/2013/03/13/lh-hkg-s13/)

Since 13 March 2013, Lufthansa has opened reservations for the daily Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental flight between Frankfurt and Hong Kong, making it the fifth city to be operated with the newest 747. Schedule:

LH796 FRA2205 – 1510+1HKG 74H D
LH797 HKG2320 – 0530+1FRA 74H D

Transaero Revises Planned Hong Kong Operations for Summer 2013 Season (http://airlineroute.net/2013/03/14/un-hkg-s13update2/)

The airline is currently planning to operate 2 weekly flights from 30 June to 30 September 2013; however, only 1 of 2 weekly service is open for reservation for individual booking class.

Service in 2013 operates with Boeing 777-200, replacing 767-300 in 2012. Revised schedules:

UN965 DME2045 – 0925+1HKG 772 3
UN965 DME2050 – 0925+1HKG 772 7

UN966 HKG1235 – 1820DME 772 1
UN966 HKG1235 – 1830DME 772 4

Day 3/4 service is only available for reservation in full-fare Business and Economy Class.

Source:http://www.businessday.com.au/business/jetstars-hong-kong-launch-delayed-20130313-2g0vf.html
Jetstar's Hong Kong launch delayed
Date
March 14, 2013

Jetstar may have to wait until the end of the year to launch its new Hong Kong airline due to delays in gaining regulatory approval from authorities overseas.

It comes as competition over flights through China heats up, with the announcement by Qantas competitor China Southern airlines to offer stand-alone flights from Sydney to London at prices considerably lower than those available with Qantas, Jetstar's parent company.

Jetstar chief executive Jayne Hrdlicka told the American Chamber of Commerce that the launch of Jetstar Hong Kong, originally scheduled for the middle of the year, had been delayed after government changeovers in China and Hong Kong thwarted plans to grant operating licences.

''Those things make it more difficult for decisions to be made, while the new cabinets are getting set and people are applying policies and rethinking positions,'' she said.

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Ms Hrdlicka said regulatory approval was now on a ''clear path''.

''We are very confident of being able to fly by the end of 2013.''

Jetstar Hong Kong made its official pitch to gain an operating licence for the airline in July - four months after Jetstar's parent, Qantas, and joint venture partner China Eastern, unveiled plans for the new airline - in the form of an application for an air operator's licence for commercial flights.

Delays in the launch of the new airline give Jetstar competitors time to up the ante.

Although Jetstar Hong Kong has China Eastern lobbying on its behalf, the mainland airline has an opponent in Air China, which is a cornerstone shareholder in Cathay Pacific.

But Nomura Australia analyst David Fraser said local carriers would find it hard to rival.

''At the end of day, Jetstar's cost structure is going to make it very competitive for anyone else up there,'' he said.

Ms Hrdlicka said Jetstar would continue to bed down its existing operations throughout Asia, including Singapore and Vietnam, rather than expanding into new areas.

''We won't be adding any businesses to the portfolio for some time,'' she said.

Here's a bit more meat to the story :

Jetstar set for Hong Kong takeoff
From: The Australian
March 14, 2013 12:00AM

JETSTAR chief executive Jayne Hrdlicka is confident the company's new Hong Kong-based airline will be flying by the end of the year, despite some early regulatory setbacks, and has reiterated the importance of the Asian market for future growth.

The recently appointed boss of the low-cost carrier has also ruled out further acquisitions over the next 12 to 18 months as the company focused on the opportunities within its existing portfolio.

Ms Hrdlicka, an American-born former management consultant who was elevated to the Jetstar role in July last year, said ensuring that the recent expansion into Asia, where the company operates several joint-ventures in conjunction with local full-service carriers, delivered strong results was her main priority. She also dismissed the recent suggestions of some analysts that Jetstar had already exceeded its growth potential, particularly within Australia, arguing the company was only constrained by its ability to innovate.

"We've actually just got started. We're an eight-year-old company; there's a world of possibilities ahead of us," Ms Hrdlicka told an American Chamber of Commerce lunch in Melbourne yesterday.

"We won't be adding new businesses to the portfolio for some time. The next 12 to 18 months is really focusing on delivering the opportunities we have. Our biggest challenge is ensuring that we are in a position to take the business from a very, very strong position . . . and to ensure we are absolutely sustainably competitive in every market we play in and build those markets to their full potential."

Jetstar, a wholly owned subsidiary of Qantas, was launched in 2004 and has grown to control 20 per cent of the domestic air travel market. It is now the largest low-cost carrier in the Asia-Pacific region by revenue, having turned over more than $3 billion last year.

Ms Hrdlicka said the company had only just started to tap into the opportunities available in New Zealand, while the Singapore and Vietnam joint-venture businesses also represented significant room for growth.

She said Jetstar Japan, which had recently flown its 700,000th passenger just seven months after launching, could grow to a comparable scale as the Australian business over time.

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong market represented a "world of possibilities", she said, in terms of both Hong Kong travellers and also the vast Chinese market keen to travel to Hong Kong for its shopping.

"We've been held up a little bit by the Hong Kong government changeover and by the Chinese government changeover . . . and the regulatory constraints we've faced," Ms Hrdlicka said. "But we're very confident of being able to fly by the end of 2013."

I was just googling the Mid-Field Terminal to try and find out more, and saw the proposed bridge to SZ on this map. Is that still going ahead?

http://www.hkairport2030.com/en/images/masterplan/midfield/img_map.jpg

Any word on which carries will use the new pier? Luck of the draw?

I was just googling the Mid-Field Terminal to try and find out more, and saw the proposed bridge to SZ on this map. Is that still going ahead?

http://www.hkairport2030.com/en/images/masterplan/midfield/img_map.jpg

Any word on which carries will use the new pier? Luck of the draw?

The road on the top right is not a bridge, but the planned tunnel to Tuen Mun district. That is still under design I believe.

The new midfield terminal is up for grabs for any carrier, and is not a designated building for particular airlines.

HKIA Passengers, Cargo, Flight Movements Grow Across First Two Months of 2013
Press Release

HONG KONG, 17 March 2013 – Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) announced today that it handled 4.7 million of passengers in February, representing 14.5% growth over the same period last year. Cargo volume dropped by 13.3% to 248,000 tonnes, while flight movements increased by 4.1% to 27,665.

Combining the first two months of 2013 would even out the timing difference of the Chinese New Year. HKIA served 9.3 million passengers and handled 582,000 tonnes of cargo in January and February, representing 3.8% and 3.6% growth respectively year on year. Flight movements grew 4.2% to 57,955.

The overall growth of passenger volume in January and February was mainly driven by visitor traffic, which registered growth of 5% over the same period last year. Passenger traffic to/ from South East Asia, the Mainland and Taiwan performed particularly well.

The overall growth of cargo throughput for the first two months was mainly attributed to an 11% year-on-year increase in transshipments. Cargo throughput to/ from Taiwan and North America outperformed other key regions.

Stanley Hui Hon-chung, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said, “It is encouraging to see solid and healthy traffic growth in all three categories at the beginning of 2013. Preliminary figures show that on 16 February, during the Chinese New Year peak travel period, we handled a record-breaking daily flow of more than 198,000 passengers. Processing such a high number of passengers presents considerable operational challenges, yet as always, HKIA and its business partners worked hard to deliver the highest level of customer service and provide travellers with a delightful airport experience.

“Cargo recorded slower tonnage in February due to the closure of Mainland factories during the holiday period. We expect that cargo will gradually stabilise in the coming months as factories resume operations and we remain cautiously optimistic for the cargo growth in longer run.” Mr Hui added.

On a rolling 12-month basis, passenger volume reached 56.8 million, registering a 4.2% year-on-year increase. Cargo increased by 3.1% to 4.05 million tonnes, while flight movements increased by 4.8% to 354,035 over the same period last year.

http://www.hongkongairport.com/pr_download/Feb2013e.pdf

Let me update you on Hong Kong International Airport operations:

Asiana Airlines Hong Kong Summer 2013 Changes as of 17 March 2013 (http://airlineroute.net/2013/03/17/oz-hkg-s13update2/)

The airline will adjust operational planned aircraft on its Seoul/Incheon - Hong Kong flight from 29 April 2013, in which it will operate A321, A330-300, and B747-400 PAX on this route. Schedules:

OZ721 ICN0900 – 1150HKG 333 D
OZ723 ICN1000 – 1250HKG 321 D
OZ745 ICN1950 – 2240HKG 744 x256
OZ745 ICN1950 – 2240HKG 333 256
OZ749 ICN2010 – 2300HKG 321 D

OZ746 HKG0030 – 0500ICN 744 x367
OZ746 HKG0030 – 0500ICN 333 367
OZ750 HKG0100 – 0530ICN 321 D
OZ722 HKG1310 – 1740ICN 333 D
OZ724 HKG1350 – 1820ICN 321 D

Note during the month of April 2013, outbound flight from Seoul/Incheon sees 2 flights departing at the same time on Fridays and Saturdays:

OZ745 ICN2010 – 2300HKG EQV
OZ749 ICN2010 – 2300HKG EQV

Cathay Pacific Service Reductions for London and Paris Operations in October 2013 (http://airlineroute.net/2013/03/16/cx-lhrcdg-oct13/)

The airline will temporarily reduce operations to London/Heathrow and Paris/CDG from Hong Kong on select dates. Details and schedules:

Hong Kong – London Heathrow:
Between 8 and 26 October 2013, service reduces from 35 to 32 – 34 weekly

CX255 HKG0035 – 0620LHR 744 D
CX257 HKG1005 – 1600LHR 77W *
CX239 HKG1025 – 1615LHR 77W D
CX253 HKG1440 – 2030LHR 77W D
CX251 HKG2355 – 0540+1LHR 77W D

CX252 LHR1230 – 0705+1HKG 744 D
CX250 LHR1820 – 1305+1HKG 77W D
CX256 LHR2015 – 1505+1HKG 77W *
CX254 LHR2220 – 1705+1HKG 77W D
CX238 LHR2235 – 1715+1HKG 77W D

*Service reduction for CX257/256 during following periods:
07OCT13 – 13OCT13 Day x234
14OCT13 – 20OCT13 Day x3
21OCT13 – 26OCT13 Day x234

Hong Kong – Paris CDG:
CX279/278 cancelled on 4, 10, 11, 14, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, and 25 October 2013.

Dragonair to Boost Capacity to Kolkata in May/June 2013 (http://airlineroute.net/2013/03/16/ka-ccu-may13/)

The airline will upgrade its operational aircraft on its 4-weekly Hong Kong-Kolkata flight from an A320 to an A330-300 from 15 May to 3 June 2013. Schedule:

KA168 HKG2235 – 0025+1CCU 333 x124
KA169 CCU0120 – 0805HKG 333 x235

Qatar Airways May 2013 Operations Update as of 16 March 2013 (http://airlineroute.net/2013/03/16/qr-asia-may13/)

The airline has recently reopened reservations for its 2nd daily Doha-Hong Kong rotation, open for flights between 1 and 31 May 2013. However, the reopened flight is only available for booking on full-fare Business and Economy Classes. Details and schedule:

Doha – Hong Kong:
QR816/817 reopened for reservation in CJYBL booking classes

QR816 DOH0745 – 2120HKG 332 D
QR817 HKG1835 – 2220DOH 332 D

Asiana Airlines, Air India to Expand Codesharing Services on Seoul - Delhi Flights from 31 March 2013 (http://airlineroute.net/2013/03/16/ozai-codeshare-s13/)

Starting the Summer 2013 season, Asiana Airlines and Air India will expand their codesharing operations, with each airline carrying both OZ and AI airline codes on flights between Seoul and Delhi. It will include Air India's Seoul - Hong Kong - Delhi service. Details and schedules:

Currently, Air India codeshares on 1 of 3 weekly ASIANA service while ASIANA codeshares on all AI flights on this route.

OZ767/AI7147 ICN1940 – 0050+1DEL 333 246
OZ768/AI7148 DEL0210 – 1220ICN 333 357

AI317/OZ6377 ICN1415 – 1650HKG1805 – 2110DEL 77L x246
AI310/OZ6378 DEL2315 – 0650+1HKG0805+1 – 1230+1ICN 77L x135

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8523/8543901456_0ea46f0c9c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/elmykocher/8543901456/)
IMG_9198 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/elmykocher/8543901456/) by elmykocher (http://www.flickr.com/people/elmykocher/), on Flickr

HKIA Becomes First Airport in Asia-Pacific to Achieve Airport Carbon Accreditation "Optimisation" Level

Airport recognised for its carbon emissions management and reduction efforts

Press Release

HONG KONG, 22 March 2013 – Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) received a significant recognition of its environmental efforts today when Airports Council International (ACI) presented it with the Airport Carbon Accreditation "Optimisation" certificate – the second-highest level of accreditation in the programme – for its management and reduction of carbon emissions. HKIA is the first and only airport in Asia-Pacific to achieve this standard.

HKIA also announced that according to preliminary and unaudited figures, the airport community has achieved a carbon intensity reduction of nearly 14% over the past two years. The result puts HKIA on track to meet the goal it set in 2010 of lowering the airport’s carbon intensity by 25% by 2015 compared to 2008 emission levels.

Airport Carbon Accreditation was initially launched by ACI Europe in June 2009 and expanded to Asia-Pacific in November 2011. It is the only institutionally endorsed carbon management certification standard for airports. The programme independently assesses the efforts of airports with four progressive levels of accreditation, including "Mapping", "Reduction", "Optimisation" and "Neutrality". To achieve "Optimisation", or level 3, an airport must show that it has mapped and reduced its carbon emissions and has also engaged stakeholders – including airlines, caterers, ground handlers and others – to reduce their carbon footprints.

At today's ceremony, Patti Chau, Regional Director of ACI Asia-Pacific, presented Dr Marvin Cheung Kin-tung, Chairman of Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), with a certificate confirming HKIA's accomplishment under the programme.

The ceremony was officiated by Professor Anthony Cheung Bing-leung, Secretary for Transport and Housing, Dr Marvin Cheung and Stanley Hui Hon-chung, Chief Executive Officer of AAHK. Representatives from three green groups, including Professor Stephen Wong, Chairman of Clean Air Network, Dr Man Chi-sum, Chief Executive Officer of Green Power, and Adam Koo, Chief Executive Officer of WWF-Hong Kong, also attended the ceremony together with more than 40 business partners.

During the ceremony Dr Cheung extended his gratitude to the airport's business partners for their joint efforts to reduce the carbon intensity of HKIA's day-to-day operations and development. "This accreditation is an important milestone as we pursue environmental excellence and a sustainable future. We hope that the experience we have gained to date will help HKIA continue to be a pioneer in environmental performance around the world."

Professor Cheung said, "Environmental protection has always been an integral aspect of HKIA's development, and this is also one of the policy priorities of the new Government, so it is rewarding to see the airport become a pioneer in the Asia-Pacific region and an exemplar of environmental excellence. The airport community has demonstrated how businesses can come together to tackle environmental challenges through carefully planned initiatives and joint effort."

Ms Chau said, "As the association representing airports worldwide, the Airports Council International is pleased to welcome the first Asia-Pacific airport to attain Airport Carbon Accreditation Optimisation Level. This not only demonstrated AAHK's strong commitment in environmental protection and ensuring sustainable growth but also its leadership in motivating the whole airport community to fulfil this meaningful deed."

Since 2008 HKIA has conducted carbon audits covering facilities on the airport island. In 2010 the airport community set a goal of lowering HKIA's carbon intensity by 25% by 2015 compared to 2008 emission levels. In 2012 it took an even more significant step forward by pledging to operate the greenest airport in the world, the first commitment of its kind worldwide. The airport community has completed more than 370 green measures in pursuit of these goals.

In 2011 AAHK began an annual review of HKIA's environmental performance, setting new targets under a rolling three-year plan that adheres to the "three Rs" of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. AAHK is currently conducting the city's largest LED replacement project, which involves switching the airport’s traditional lighting in passenger terminal buildings with 100,000 LEDs by 2014. It is estimated this will save approximately 15 million kWh of electricity and reduce nearly 9,000 tonnes of carbon emissions per year. AAHK also possesses the largest fleet of electric saloon vehicles in Hong Kong.

AAHK continues to devise and implement innovative programmes with its business partners. Other plans of note include banning the use of aircraft Auxiliary Power Units when at parking stands in 2014; having an all-electric saloon fleet in the Airport Restricted Area by 2017; installing over 150 charging points for electric vehicles and ground service equipment; and replacing 26 diesel vehicles with Euro V vehicles.

To offset the carbon emissions generated by the event, AAHK worked with Carboncare Asia to support the afforestation and reforestation projects on degraded lands in Northwest Sichuan.