TRANSPORT
testing of the various back-up ATC systems were completed in December with satisfactory results. These back-up facilities will be commissioned in early 2000 upon completion of familiarisation training of ATC staff.
To support the parallel runway operations and further increase the runway capacity while maintaining a high level of safety, a Precision Runway Monitor (PRM) is being installed at the HKIA. The PRM is planned to be in operation in mid-2000, making the HKIA one of the few airports in the world equipped with this state-of-the-art equipment.
The Government will also convert the current ground-based ATC systems to satellite-based communications, navigation and surveillance/air traffic management (CNS/ATM) systems in phases. Study of these next-generation ATC systems commenced in late 1999. Upon completion, the CNS/ATM systems will significantly enhance flight efficiency and improve safety.
The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) continues to maintain close liaison with the civil aviation authorities of the Mainland and Macau in relation to the development of flight procedures and ATC co-ordination arrangements. In 1999, a series of tripartite meetings were held and agreement was reached on refinements of the air traffic management plan and ATC arrangements for airports in the Pearl River Delta.
Aircraft Noise Management
During the planning of the HKIA, the AA in conjunction with the Government had conducted a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This included an assessment of the aircraft noise impacts on off-airport areas. According to the EIA results which were updated in early 1998 and noise measurements conducted after airport opening, aircraft noise levels in all residential areas in Hong Kong were within internationally accepted standards, except for Sha Lo Wan in North Lantau. For residents there, an ex gratia allowance was offered.
The Government is mindful of the concern of some residents over the aircraft noise impact. The CAD has implemented a series of noise mitigating measures since October 1998. More improvement measures were adopted in 1999. For example, noise abatement take-off procedures were introduced in August. Operators of certain relatively noisy aircraft types were not allowed to schedule operation at the airport during night time with effect from October. In addition, the aircraft noise and flight track monitoring system was expanded to help evaluate the track keeping performance and noise impact of aircraft operating to and from the HKIA. The CAD will continue to explore further mitigating measures.
Aircraft Accident
On August 22, a China Airlines Boeing MD-11 aircraft from Bangkok crashed at the HKIA. The aircraft made a hard landing, followed by an outbreak of fire and the detachment of its right wing. The aircraft rolled over and ended up in an inverted position adjacent to the South Runway.
The firefighting and rescue operations following the accident were carried out speedily in accordance with the Contingency Plan for Dealing with an Aircraft Crash in Hong Kong, the Airport Emergency Procedures Manual and various departmental operational plans concerning an aircraft crash. Among the 315 passengers and crew
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