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cope with the increasing scale of operations, CPA acquired one A330-300 and one A340–300. At the end of 1997, its fleet comprised seven B747-200, six B747-300, 19 B747-400, four B777-200, 11 A330-300, six A340-300, four B747-200F and two B747-400F -- a total of 59 aircraft.
Hong Kong Dragon Airlines (Dragonair) commenced scheduled passenger services to Chongqing in April. At the end of 1997, the airline operated scheduled services to 11 cities in the Mainland and eight other destinations in Asia, together with non- scheduled passenger services to other cities in the region, mostly in the Mainland and Japan. In addition, Dragonair continued to participate in the joint services between Bandar Seri Begawan and the HKSAR operated by Royal Brunei Airlines. With the introduction of an additional A330-300 aircraft, the airline now operates seven A320-200 and five A330-300 aircraft.
AHK Air Hong Kong (AHK) continued to operate scheduled all-cargo services to Manchester, Brussels, Dubai and Osaka, and non-scheduled cargo services to various destinations in Asia using three B747-200 freighters. The airline terminated its scheduled all-cargo services to Chicago at the end of May.
During the year two new Air Operator's Certificates (AOC) were granted. Helicopters Hong Kong Limited was granted an AOC to operate helicopter service within the territorial boundaries of the HKSAR using a Bell 206. Metrojet Limited was granted an AOC to operate non-scheduled passenger services using an HS125-700B.
Three new carriers introduced scheduled services to the HKSAR during the year Japan Air System in June, Transaero in July and Kampuchea Airlines (replacing Royal Air Cambodge) in October. As a result of these changes, the number of scheduled airlines serving the HKSAR increased to 67. At the end of the year, these airlines together operated about 1 500 direct round trip services weekly between the HKSAR and over 120 other cities. In addition to these scheduled services, an average of 200 non-scheduled flights were operated each week.
The HKSAR Government continues to negotiate air services agreements (ASAs) and air services transit agreements (ASTAs). It also continues to hold air services consultations with foreign aviation partners to review and update current bilateral arrangements to cope with changing market circumstances. In 1997, 13 rounds of air services consultations were held with 12 countries. Seven more ASAS were signed with Japan, Myanmar, Thailand, USA, Philippines, Indonesia and the United Kingdom - bringing the total of such agreements to 22.
In 1997, the Air Transport Licensing Authority granted two licences: one to Dragonair and the other to AHK. At the end of 1997, CPA held licences to operate scheduled services to 75 cities, Dragonair to 79 cities and AHK to 38 cities.
Aviation Security
The Aviation Security Ordinance provides comprehensive local legislation to implement aviation security-related conventions and agreements promulgated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. Aviation security programmes developed by the Government, airport operators, airlines and other concerned parties form the basis for implementing effective aviation security measures in Hong Kong. These measures establish a clear framework for maintaining Hong Kong's aviation security practices to the highest international standards.