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the existing site by extensive reclamation. Work on the project started in 1956 and in a truly remarkable feat of engineering, a promontory 7,800 feet long and 800 feet wide was reclaimed from the waters of Kowloon Bay. Direct approaches to the runway from the south-east can be made through a gap in the hills, while the extensive removal of hills has provided a safe, gently curving approach from the opposite direction.
The new runway, 8,340 feet long and stressed to take aircraft weighing up to 400,000 pounds, was opened in 1958. It is suitable for use by the most modern types of aircraft now flying or currently envisaged. The latest navigational and approach aids have been installed and an instrument landing system, surveillance radar, precision approach radar and VHF omni-range contribute greatly to the safety and regularity of air services to the Colony. Modern airport and approach lighting have made safe night opera- tions possible in spite of the surrounding hills.
A new terminal building, one of the most advanced in the Far East, came into use in November 1962. Operating on a 'two level' system, with arrivals on the ground floor and departures mainly on the first floor, the building has been planned to eliminate those irritating delays to which air travellers are sometimes subjected. Modern shops, bars and a restaurant cater to the needs of passengers and visitors and a spacious waving bay offers a clear view of arriving and departing aircraft. Immediately in front of the terminal is an extensive aircraft parking apron, with room for 11 large aircraft. It has a hydrant refuelling system controlled from a centralized fuel farm. Extensive alterations were made to the temporary terminal building to reconvert it to its original design which was for the storage of air cargo and freight. This building came into use in July and marked the completion of phase I of the Hong Kong Airport Development programme.
Responsibility for the supervision of all aspects of civil aviation in the Colony and the co-ordination of plans for its development rests with the Director of Civil Aviation. Full operational services are provided, including air traffic control, telecommunications, air/ sea rescue, airport fire service, aeronautical information service, aircraft registration and certification of airworthiness, personnel licensing and, in conjunction with the Royal Observatory, an aeronautical meteorological service.