INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
level playing field in the tendering procedures and award of contracts. A significant number of international companies won ACP contracts, often as part of joint ventures. By the airport opening date, the People's Republic of China had won the largest share by value with 31 per cent (8 per cent for PRC Mainland and 23 per cent for HKSAR) of the total, followed by Japan (26 per cent), the United Kingdom (16 per cent), the Netherlands (6 per cent), France (5 per cent), Belgium (3 per cent) and New Zealand (3 per cent). Spain, Australia, the United States of America and Germany each had about 2 per cent and the remaining 2 per cent was shared among Italy, South Africa, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Portugal and Denmark.
The New Airport at Chek Lap Kok
It was announced on January 13 that the new airport would open on July 6. The date was chosen as the government considered it important to have the commissioning of the new airport and AR in tandem to ensure that the airport would be supported by efficient land transport links on day one.
Planning for Airport Opening
The lead-up to full operation of the new airport involved intensive planning by the AA, its contractors, service providers, airlines, commercial tenants and government departments. This major team effort was co-ordinated by the AA within the framework of an integrated programme which aimed to achieve a smooth transition from construction, testing and commissioning of facilities and systems to full airport operation. Within this overall programme, the Airport Operational Readiness (AOR) Programme identified and monitored the progress of those activities critical to airport opening, such as staff recruitment and training, the development of operational policies and procedures, and airport user charges.
The AOR Programme also encompassed five airport trials during January to June, including a full-scale 'dress rehearsal' trial held on June 14 involving some 12 000 volunteers plus AA staff, 35 airlines, new airport business communities and government departments concerned. The feedback gathered during these airport trials enabled the AA to continue fine-tuning in preparation for airport operations.
Airport Relocation
The mobilisation and relocation of plant, equipment and personnel from Kai Tak to Chek Lap Kok were carried out over a 60-day period before the airport opened on July 6. The relocation exercise was conducted in five phases starting from May 6 with the critical Night Move phase held from 5.30 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, to 6.30 a.m. on Monday, July 6.
The Night Move involved 808 vehicle movements, eight barge trips and the relocation of 29 aircraft carrying a wide range of items belonging to government departments and private firms from Kai Tak to Chek Lap Kok in a matter of 13 hours. During this critical window, operations at Kai Tak ceased after the last passenger flight departed at 0.02 a.m. on July 6. By dawn, the Night Move had been completed smoothly. The first incoming flight landed at the new airport at 6.27 a.m. and the first outgoing flight left shortly after 7 a.m. on July 6. The final phase of the relocation exercise, from July 6 to August 5, involved the moving of items that were not essential for 'Day One' operations at the new airport. The relocation proceeded in line with a Mobilisation and Move Plan developed by the AA in consultation with
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