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Headquarters Strike Command
Royal Air Force, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4UE High Wycombe 461461 Ext 6466
See Distribution
Your Reference:
Our Reference: STC/90211/22/AT
9 Jan 92
HONG KONG DIVERSION AIRFIELD
References: AP 1158.
to
1. The present diversion airfield for Hong Kong is Manila in the Phillippines and this airfield is approximately 650 miles from Hong
aircraft therefore requires our Kong and
carry additional fuel. diversion
The attached table shows the significant additional payloads that could be carried if we were allowed to nominate Canton as our diversion and, in the case of the VC10, the fuel saved in the transit flight.
2. Whilst we are obliged to nominate a destination diversion, their use is very small. Indeed, I cannot recall an instance where an AT aircraft has actually diverted from Hong Kong.
3. The MOD charter seats and freight space on BA flights to Hong Kong and they use Canton as the diversion airfield. Following the volcanic eruption in Manila we were allowed to use Canton and we advised the DA of each flight so that clearance was available in is therefore clear and case of diversion.
a
The precedent
Furthermore, the changing Reference A allows flights into China.
it sensible that political scene in the Phillippines makes examine other options for diversion airfields.
we
4.
We would therefore be grateful if you could obtain clearance for us to use Canton vice Manila as the diversion airfield.
Dwilliams
D C WILLIAMS
Wg Car
for 30Cinc
Attachment:
Diversion Payload Table.
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