Civil Aviation in Hong Kong
1. Overview
Civil Aviation plays an important role in the society of Hong Kong. Hong Kong has an airport located at Chek Lap Kok which is among busiest in the world, contributing to Hong Kongˇ¦s economy and citizensˇ¦ quality of life. Apart from commercial aviation that covers passenger and cargo services, citizens can have access to recreational flying through Hong Kong Aviation Club, an organisation undertaking flying training for private pilots and providing facilities for private owners. The Government Flying Service also provides short and long range search and rescue services, police support, medical evacuation and general purpose flights for the government.
In this part, we are going to investigate the operations of Civil Aviation Department and Airport Authority, air services policies, Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok, and airline companies based in Hong Kong.
2. Civil Aviation Department
Civil Aviation Department (CAD) is reponsible for regulating the civil aviation activities at Hong Kong. In particular, CAD overlooks air traffic control, flight information, air alerting service and air/sea search-and-rescue for all aircraft operating with an area of Hong Kong Flight Information Region and Area of Responsibility. The figure below shows the organizational chart of CAD. CAD consists of a number of divisions dealing with different aspects of civil aviation in Hong Kong. In this section, the main focus will be on the duties of CAD's aviation related divisions.
2.1 Flight Standards & Airworthiness Division
The Flight Standards & Airworthiness Division is responsible for regulating the operational safety and airworthiness of aircraft registered in Hong Kong. Their work involves monitoring and inspection of Hong Kong airlines in respect of flight operations policy and standards, flight crew training and aircraft maintenance standards.
2.2 Airport Standards Division
The Airport Standards Division is responsible for the licensing, regulation, inspection and monitoring of safety and security of aerodromes (including heliports) in Hong Kong and the monitoring of the safety standards and procedures of the Hong Kong air traffic control services. Its responsibilities includes establishing aerodrome licensing standards and the issue of license for aerodromes and monitoring the performance of aerodrome licensees in the areas of aerodrome safety and aviation security.
2.3 Technical & Planning Division
The Technical and Planning Division is responsible for the planning, provision and subsequent maintenance / enhancements of the air traffic control systems, radar, navigational aids and communication equipment for the new Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok.
2.4 Air Traffic Management Division
The Hong Kong Air Traffic
Management Division is responsible for the provision of air
traffic control, flight information service and alerting service
within the Hong Kong Flight Information Region (FIR) and Area of
Responsibility (AOR) as assigned by the International Civil
Aviation Organization. The airspace covers a total area of
573,000 square kilometres extending over the South China Sea to
some 370 kilometres to the east and south-east and 1200 km to the
south-west of Hong Kong. Air Traffic Management Division also
establishes an Aeronautical Information Centre at the Passenger
Terminal Building of the Hong Kong International Airport. This
Centre provides an aeronautical information service to the
airline personnel and pilots through publications including
Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), Aeronautical information Circular (AIC)
and Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP).
Air Traffic Services
The primary objective of Air Traffic Services (ATS) is to maintain a safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic to prevent collision. In accordance with international standards and practices, the Hong Kong Air Traffic Management Division provides air traffic control, flight information service and alerting service to all flights operating in the Hong Kong FIR and AOR.
2.5 Air Services Division
To facilitate the operation of scheduled air services to and from Hong Kong, Air Services Agreements are negotiated with Hong Kong's bilateral partners on the basis of a balanced exchange of air traffic rights. The Air Services Division is mainly responsible for monitoring compliance by airlines with Air Services Agreements and other arrangements which govern scheduled air services.
3. Airport
3.1 History
On 11th October, 1989, The Governor of Hong Kong, Sir David Wilson announced the plan to construct a new airport at Chek Lap Kok. The construction was in accordance with government research indicating that the old airport, Kai Tak would reach a near saturation by the turn of the century. The very idea of having a new airport which would improve Hong Kong overall port and air services was not warmly greeted by the Chinese Government. After numerous negotiations, on 3rd Sep 1991, the Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the governments of the United Kingdom and the People's Republic of China which gave their firm backing to the airport project and the rest of the Airport Core Program. The (Provisional Airport Authority) PAA was established under the Provisional Airport Authority Ordinance with a mandate to plan, design and construct Hong Kong's new airport. Not every thing went as smooth as it was expected. PAA underestimated the land requirement and the construction of the airport reaches the island of Lam Chau. During the land shortage, agreements were still being signed. On 4th November 1994, The Airport Committee of the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group signs another agreement regarding the financing of new airport and airport railway. On 17 November 94, the Sino-British Land Commission reaches yet another agreement on arrangements for granting the land required for the new airport at Chek Lap Kok. The overall 1,248-hectare reclamation and excavation work was completed by 16 June 1995. After 3 years of hard work, the Hong Kong International airport was finally opened on 2 July 1998 by President Jiang Zemin. The airport commences operations on 6 July 1998 after a major overnight relocation program from Kai Tak.
3.2 Location
Hong Kong International Airport is located at Chek Lap Kok airport and the airport can be reached by rail, road and sea. The following is a map of all accessible routes to the airport.
3.3 Passenger Terminals
At present, four main levels are full operational at the Hong Kong International Airport, viz. ,
The following are building guides for each levels.
3.4 Services
Hong Kong International Airport offers to its passengers and visitors a wide range of services.
3.4.1 Authority Information Counters
These located in the centre of the Departures Hall and under the Farman bi-plane (exhibited in the centre of the Arrival Hall). Staff members provide assistance on the location of facilities and general information. Airport guide maps and information booklets are also available from these counters.
3.4.2 Baggage Trolleys
8,000 baggage trolleys are available free of charge on both Arrivals and Departures Levels.
3.4.3 Baggage Reclaim
12 baggage reclaim carousels are available in the arrival section. Information boards in the arrival section display carousel reclaim information and inbound passengers can find their baggage instantly and efficiently. Bags reach the appropriate carousel within 10 minutes of being collected from the aircraft.
3.4.4 Car Parks
There are about 3,000 commercial car parking spaces at the airport for hourly, daily and monthly Parking. Car parks 1 and 2 are located to the south of the terminal; car park 3 and the multi-storey car park 4 (about 1,700 spaces) are located to the north of the terminal. Open Car parks can be rented on hourly basis for $13.
3.4.5 Help Phones
Help Phones are located in public areas throughout the terminal. Passengers need only lift the handset to speak to operators who can provide airport information or send duty staff to assist.
3.4.6 Hong Kong Hotels Association Information Counters
Two counters are located in the Buffer Hall at Arrivals Level immediately after the Customs area to provide up-to-the-minute information on hotels and room availability.
3.4.7 Hotel Shuttles and Limousines
Hotel shuttle buses and cars are located in the central area of the Ground Transportation Center, at ground level.
3.4.8 Left Luggage
A secure left luggage service, including short-term luggage storage, is available inside the Arrivals Hall.
3.4.9 Lost and Found
Contact points for lost and found enquiries are the Airport Authority Information counters, the Airport Police Report centres, in the Arrivals Hall, or the nearest Help Phone which will connect passengers to the Airport Operations Control Centre for assistance.
3.4.10 Medical Centre
Medical Centres are located on Departures Level 6 and in the Arrivals Hall. Help Phones in the terminal can be used to call for urgent medical assistance.
3.4.11 Meeting Point
The meeting point is located in the centre of the Arrivals Hall. The replica of the Farman bi-plane commemorating the first flight in Hong Kong is a feature of this area. The Arrivals Hall is divided into Halls A and B. Meeters and greeters should check information boards and go to the appropriate hall.
3.4.12 Money Exchange Outlets
Twelve money exchange outlets are located landside and airside on both Arrivals and Departures levels.
3.4.13 Nursing Room
Nursing rooms are available throughout the terminal providing baby changing and feeding facilities.
3.4.14 Post Office
The airport Post Office is located in the Departures Level Check-In Hall. The opening hours are from 9:30 in the morning to 8:30 in the night, Monday to Saturday
3.4.15 Prayer Room
A round the clock multi-faith prayer room is located in the Departures Check-in Hall, south concourse, near Check-in, for travellers to meditate and pray.
3.4.16 Restaurants
Quality restaurants and fast food outlets offering both Asian and Western cuisine can be found in the Arrivals Hall, the Departures Check-in Hall and on Departures Level 6.
3.4.17 Shops
Hong Kong International Airport has one of the most exciting airport shopping malls in the world, with more than 140 outlets offering a range of quality retailing at downtown prices. There are five retail zones in the terminal. See map for details.
3.4.18 Smoking Area
Smoking in the terminal is prohibited except in dedicated smoking areas clearly marked by this symbol.
3.4.19 Telephone and Telecom Services
Public pay telephones, courtesy phones and phone card vending machines are located throughout the terminal. Services available include local and international voice, fax and data and Internet access.
3.4.20 Toilets
Toilets and unisex toilets for the disabled are located throughout the terminal. All provide 24-hour services.
3.4.21 Transfer Areas
Desks to assist passengers transferring to other aircraft are located along the terminal's central concourse near gates 1, 15, 27, 35 and 42. Minimum connection time is approximately 60 minutes.
3.4.22 Automated People Mover (APM )
This shuttle train runs along the terminal's central concourse at basement level providing easy access to distant aircraft gates. Each APM train can carry up to 200 passengers. There are two stations and the journey takes approximately 90 seconds.
3.4.23 Banks
Banks can be found on both Arrivals and Departures levels. Opening hours are from 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday and from 9:00am to 1:00pm on Saturday. Eight electronic teller machine locations can be found throughout the terminal.
3.4.24 Business Center
The Plaza Business Center, located on Departures Level 6 East Hall, provides a full range of secretarial services, as well as name card printing, courier services, instant photo taking, mobile phone rental, and assistance with limousine hire and travel arrangements.
3.4.25 CIP/VIP Lounges
Airlines will direct passengers to the appropriate lounges located airside after check-in procedures are completed.
3.4.26 Customs and Excise
There are 76 inspection positions for arriving passengers. The Customs and Excise Department's airport office is located within the restricted area on Arrivals Level. For enquiries regarding bonded items or Customs restrictions, use the Help Phone.
3.4.27 Flight Information Display Boards
Over 2,000 display boards and monitors in both Chinese and English are situated in strategic locations on both Arrivals and Departures Levels to provide up-to-the-minute information on flight arrivals and departures. Flight information is also available from Information kiosks throughout the terminal.
3.4.28 Immigration
There are 128 Immigration desks for arriving passengers and 96 for departing passengers. All are operated by Hong Kong Immigration Department. All overseas passengers are asked to check their visa requirements before travelling to Hong Kong.
3.4.29 Passenger Information Kiosks
These interactive information units operate with touch screen technology and provide information on a range of airport activities that affect or may be useful to passengers. These include information on airport services and facilities, flight schedules and world weather and the Hong Kong Tourist Association's Tourist Survival Guide.
3.4.30 Plaza Premium Lounge
The Plaza Premium Lounge, located on Departures Level 7 West Hall in the airline CIP area, is for use of all passengers, irrespective of ticket class or airline. A single charge entitles travelers to refreshments, comfortable seating, hot showers and private toilets, as well as various business and entertainment facilities. Secretarial services are also available.
3.4.31 Police Report Centers
Police Report centers can be found on both Departures and Arrivals levels.
3.5 Photo Gallery
An aerial view of Chek Lap Kok Airport
4. Airport Authority
The airport is the responsibility of the Airport Authority, which was established in 1990 by the Hong Kong Government as a provisional body to plan, design and build the airport. In December 1995, it made the transition to its permanent status as the Airport Authority of Hong Kong.
The Authority was responsible for the construction of the airport island, its runways and airfield, the passenger terminal complex and all on-island infrastructure. It retains strategic control over airport operations and the airport business, while the private sector operates individual businesses on the island under franchise and license agreements.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is responsible for air traffic control, police, fire services and other institutional facilities such as the airmail centre.
5. Air Transport in Hong Kong
International scheduled air transport is a highly regulated industry. Bilateral air services negotiations are held between governments at which agreements to exchange air traffic rights are made. While each government seeks to retain a maximum share of such rights for their own airlines, the generally accepted principle is that there must be fair and equal opportunities for airlines of each side to operate services to and from each otherˇ¦s territory. Basically, there are 2 types of air services, namely scheduled services and non-scheduled services.
6. Scheduled Services
To facilitate the operation of scheduled air services to and from Hong Kong, Air Services Agreements are negotiated with our bilateral partners on the basis of a balanced exchange of air traffic rights. Taking into account of the highly-regulated nature of international air transportation, the HKSAR government follows a general, but not invariable policy of designating only one airline on each route. This applies equally to all Hong Kong airlines. Such a policy by no means results in a lack of competition as Hong Kong travellers and shippers have a range of choices on all popular routes as foreign carriers fly in competition with Hong Kong airlines.
6.1 Regulation
An airline seeking to operate scheduled services to and from Hong Kong using aircraft registered in Hong Kong must first obtain a specific licence from the Air Transport Licence from the Air Transport Licensing Authority and secure designation under relevant Air Services Agreement before it can serve a route. Conversely, a foreign airline must first be designated by its government under the relevant Air Services Agreement and then obtain an operating permit from the Director of Civil Aviation before it can operate scheduled services to and from Hong Kong.
7. Non-scheduled Services
7.1 Regulation
A Hong Kong or foreign airline seeking to operate non-scheduled services to or from Hong Kong must first apply to the Director of Civil Aviation for a permit. An application for such a permit will normally be approved if the applicant airline has reasonably demonstrated that corresponding scheduled services cannot satisfy the demand identified by providing the service or capacity needed, whether for passengers or cargo, and in the case of an application made by a foreign airline, that the government of the country in which the airline is based would afford no less favourable treament to a Hong Kong airline making a similar application.
8. Commercial Aviation and Recreational Flying
Cathay Pacific Airways operates 38 B747, four B777, six A340 and 11 A330 aircraft, providing scheduled services throughout Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, Europe, South Africa and North America. All their Lockheed Tristar L1011s were retired from service by November 1996. Hong Kong Dragon Airlines Limited operates five A330 and seven A320 aircraft to provide regional scheduled and non-scheduled services. Air Hong Kong Limited (AHK) operates scheduled and non-scheduled cargo services with three B747 freighters between Hong Kong and a number of destinations world-wide. Heliservices operates two Aerospatiale SA315B and one AS355N helicopters for local passenger charter and aerial work.
Recreational flying in Hong Kong is catered for by the Hong Kong Aviation Club which undertakes flying training for private pilots and provides facilities for private owners.
9. Reference
Civil Aviation Department home page address
http://www.info.gov.hk/cad/index.htm
Hong Kong Government Fact Sheets ˇV Civil Aviation