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COMMUNICATIONS
board vessels of all flags. The Mariners' Club in Kowloon managed by the Port Welfare Committee provides recreational and welfare facilities of a very high standard for seamen of all nationalities.
Hong Kong is situated in an area which is frequently affected by tropical cyclones in the summer months but 1970 has proved to be a year relatively free from the effect of such storms. Work in the harbour came to a standstill on only a few occasions and no serious damage to shipping from this cause took place during the
year.
CIVIL AVIATION
The Civil Aviation Department supervises all aspects of Civil Aviation in Hong Kong and its Flight Information Region which extends over an area of approximately 100,000 square miles. In addition to Hong Kong's international airport, operational services provided include Air Traffic Control, Communications, Air/Sea Rescue, Airport Fire, Crash and Rescue Service, Aeronautical Information Service, and, in conjunction with the Royal Observa- tory, an Aeronautical Meteorological Service.
Hong Kong Airport is a major world airport of modern design situated only three miles from the busy hotel and commercial centre of Kowloon and the facilities offered for operators, passen- gers and cargo are second to none in the Orient. More than 400 scheduled services to all parts of the world are provided each week by 28 international airlines as well as many charter and non-scheduled flights. 2,324,900 passengers passed through the airport during the year and passengers, freight and mail figures showed an increase over last year of 22.67 per cent, 19.92 per cent and 11.76 per cent respectively.
The modern terminal building now operates on a 'two level' system thus separating arriving and departing passengers, and speeding up the processing system. The building has shops, restaurants, bars, an observation terrace, and provides post office and banking facilities. Improvements to the terminal building continued throughout the year and led to the installation of a mechanical baggage handling and distribution system, and exten- sions to the departure hall with additional shopping and restaurant services. A pier and six aerobridges suitable for use by aircraft up