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TRANSPORT
Testing of the advanced computerised radar data processing and display system to enhance the efficiency of the Hong Kong air traffic control system is in progress. A set of . new air traffic control simulator systems was installed to meet new functional requirements. Passenger loading bridges were replaced at three passenger terminal aircraft parking positions.
In September, work began on an extension to the Passenger Aircraft Parking Apron. When completed in October 1989, the facility will have room for two B747 jets or up to six smaller aircraft.
A replacement flight information display system, capable of displaying flight information in both Chinese and English, was commissioned in December.
The computerised passenger processing system was brought into operation at the airport by the Immigration Department on August 1.
To meet the forecast demand for air cargo handling facilities at Hong Kong Interna- tional Airport, a second air cargo terminal is being planned, for operation in April 1991.
The consultancy study on the capacity and development potential of the airport pro- gressed on schedule during the year. This study will seek to define the constraints on the present airport, forecast air traffic demand up to the year 2010, and explore methods of meeting the projected demand within the constraints identified.
Another major study, the Alternative Replacement Airport Sites Study, was commis- sioned in April with the objectives of identifying a suitable replacement airport location in the Western Harbour area, and of preparing an airport layout plan and preliminary cost estimates.
Consultancy work also began in May to review and update the 1982 master plan for the Chek Lap Kok replacement airport.
Results of these studies and the findings of the Port and Airport Development Strategy Consultancy study conducted by the Lands and Works Branch will be made available towards the end of 1989, and will assist the government in deciding on the need, timing and location of a replacement airport.
The airport ground noise consultancy study was completed in May, and recommenda- tions on measures to deal with the matter were being evaluated to determine the priority of implementation.
On August 31, a Trident aircraft of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, flight CA 301 from Guangzhou, while landing on Runway 31 from the southeast, swerved off the east side and fell into the water in Kowloon Bay. In the rescue operation immediately launched by airport emergency units, 83 of the 89 persons on board were rescued, although some were injured in the accident and one of them died later in hospital. However, all the six crew members trapped in the submerged nose section of the fractured fuselage drowned. This was the first fatal accident occurring at Hong Kong International Airport in 20 years. An investigation into the accident was held soon after.
During 1988, the Air Transport Licensing Authority granted one licence to Cathay Pacific Airways and three licences to Hong Kong Dragon Airlines. Taken together with those granted in previous years, this meant that, at December 31, Cathay Pacific Airways held licences to operate scheduled services to 50 cities in 26 countries, and Hong Kong Dragon Airlines was licensed to serve 43 cities in eight countries.