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COMMUNICATIONS
A new terminal building, one of the most advanced in the Far East, came into use in November 1962. It operates on a 'two level' system; arriving and departing passengers are dealt with on different floors. The building has been planned to eliminate irritating delays for the traveller. It includes shops, bars, a restaurant and a spacious observation platform offering a clear view of arriving and departing aircraft. An extension to the building was opened this year. Imme- diately in front of the terminal is a parking apron for 11 large aircraft. It has a hydrant refuelling system controlled from a cen- tralized fuel farm. The former terminal building has now been returned to its original purpose for the storage of air freight.
The Director of Civil Aviation supervises all aspects of civil aviation in the Colony and co-ordinates plans for its development. Full operational services are provided, including air traffic control, telecommunications, air sea rescue, airport fire service, aeronautical information service, aircraft registration and certification of air- worthiness, personnel licensing and, in conjunction with the Royal Observatory, an aeronautical meteorological service.
Although opportunities for private flying are somewhat limited two flying clubs have recently been formed. The Hong Kong Flying Club uses a Beechcraft Musketeer aircraft, and the Aero Club of Hong Kong an Auster Aiglet and a Stinson 15. The Far East Flying Training School, established in 1934, offers full-time courses of training in aeronautical engineering and electronics.
The Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited provides maintenance, overhaul and repair facilities at the airport for a wide range of aircraft, including the latest jet airliners. Their two hangars can accommodate the largest aircraft likely to operate into Hong Kong within the next decade.
Two local airlines operate aircraft registered in the Colony. Cathay Pacific Airways routes extend to India, Japan, Malaya, Sabah, the Philippines and Indonesia, using Convair 880 and Lockheed Electra aircraft. Macau Air Transport Company Limited flies a Piaggio P136 amphibious aircraft to nearby Macau. Some 185 scheduled services arrive each week at Hong Kong Airport, operated by 19 international airlines, in addition to numerous charter and non-scheduled flights. A record was created on 25th October when 5,648 passengers passed through the airport, many of them returning from the Tokyo Olympic Games.