COMMUNICATIONS
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the 747 pier to include a third aircraft parking bay fitted with air- bridges was nearing completion at the end of the year. Two other bays were also modified to accommodate 747 aircraft. The long-term parking apron, an area of approximately 45,000 square yards, was completed and brought into use for aircraft requiring maintenance, loading freight or for stop-over in Hong Kong. Additional office space of 8,162 square feet was provided on the second floor over the departure hall. The entire length of the runway was grooved, result- ing in a significant improvement in the frictional characteristic of the runway surface during wet weather conditions, and thus reducing the risk of aquaplaning and skidding. Work continued on the recla- mation for the runway extension but progress has been delayed due to bad weather and other difficulties.
A consortium of local companies, with the Government as a part- ner, has been formed to build and operate a consolidated air cargo terminal on reclaimed land near the long-term parking area. Design details are now under consideration. As an interim measure, until the proposed cargo terminal becomes available, provision has been made for additional temporary cargo facilities on open land at the airport to cater for the increasing amount of cargo being handled.
As part of the expansion and improvements to the Air Traffic Con- trol system, the Terminal Area Radar was resited on Mount Parker. The new position improves the radar coverage of areas previously obstructed by terrain thus increasing the efficiency of Air Traffic Con- trol. A site on Beacon Hill is expected to be ready in the near future for the installation of the new Approach Surveillance Radar, sched- uled to be commissioned in 1972.
Two private flying clubs operate at the airport, the Aero Club of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Flying Club, flying a total of some 2,600 hours annually. The Far East Flying Training School conducts full-time day courses and evening classes in aeronautical engineering and electronics, training some 350 students each year. A total of 36,705 passengers were carried during the year on scheduled cross- harbour helicopter services, sight-seeing and charter flights by Hong Kong Air International Ltd, using a 13-seat twin-engine Bell 212, a three-seat Bell 47 and two six-seat Alouette III helicopters.
Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, the Hong Kong based airline, has added a Boeing 707 to its fleet of eight Convair 880 aircraft, and provides frequent services to Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Sabah and Taipei.