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On October 3, the papers reported that the Government had given approval for China to operate passenger flights between Hong Kong and Canton during the autumn trade fair. The Hong Kong Standard added that "China is considering extending charter passenger flights to other Chinese cities" and Ta Kung Pao said "non-scheduled charter flights were likely to be in operation after the Canton Trade Fair."
All papers reported on October 5 that an agreement had been reached on the operation of a chartered flight service between Hong Kong and Canton and "the official record of discussions" had been signed.
Most papers welcomed the air link saying it provided a convenient and comfortable means of travel for the businessmen. They said it showed the good relations between the two and relfected the importance of the role Hong Kong was playing in China's economic modernisation plans.
The New Evening Post described the development as a "breakthrough" and the Hong Kong Daily News that it was "a milestone in communications". It added that the service would benefit both sides. Wah Kiu Yat Po added that the flights reflected the friendly relationship between China and Hong Kong and could lead to a possible resumption of scheduled flights between the two places.
The Express said "the air service was important because of its political implications and not because of its economic value."
The papers also reported that China had in the past operated chartered flights for cargo and the South China Morning Post quoted Mr. Ron Downing, the Director of Civil Aviation as saying "the communication link between Canton and Hong Kong had been excellent."
HOVERCRAFTS AND FERRIES
On September 23, Ta Kung Pao reported that the hovercraft service between Hong Kong and Canton to be operated by the Hong Kong and Yaumati Ferry Company was expected to start on November 15.
However, as early as June 16 the South China Morning Post reported that executives of the HYF company were negotiating with Chinese officials in Canton on the possibility of operating an inter-city hovercraft service.
It said that the negotiating team, including the HYF company's general manager,
Mr. Edmund Lau had gone to Canton by hovercraft.
The paper quoted sources as saying the trip "was a trial run" to allow company officials to check on conditions and the time it would take for the trip.
It observed that if such a service were permitted, it would be more convenient for tourists and businessmen attending the annual trade fairs; and would ease the crowded rail traffic during the Chinese festivals; and provide an "alternative means of transport for the thousands returning to the mainland."
report.
But it was only in August that Mr. Edmund Lau confirmed the paper's earlier
He told a press conference that he and a team of technicians had gone to Canton on June 13 for four days, during which Chinese officials had been taken on a demonstration cruise.
Although he did not say how long the journey would take some papers estimated that it would take two hours, and that each craft would carry 91 passengers.
The Oriental Daily agreed with South China Morning Post's earlier comment that the sea link would ease the traffic load on train services during the Lunar New Year and the Ching Ming festivals.
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