264 | Transport
consulting the industry and other stakeholders on the intention to allow commercial helicopters to share the use of the Wan Chai Temporary Helipad, with the Government Flying Service.
Updating of Aviation Legislation
To implement the latest international standards and applicable international practices in relation to airworthiness, aircraft equipment, safety management, data preservation and personnel licensing, the Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order 1995 was amended in 2008 and the amendments took effect on January 1, 2009.
Air Traffic Control
The air traffic control system has been enhanced through improvements in the use of airspace, flight procedures design and an increase in manpower for air traffic control. It handled 302 541 movements at HKIA and 154 728 overflights, including traffic to and from Macao, representing a 2.19 per cent increase and a 1.44 per cent drop over 2007 respectively. The average daily movement at HKIA was 827 and a record high of 971 movements was handled on April 20.
To meet the long-term air traffic demand and resolve airspace congestion over the PRD Region, a PRD Air Traffic Management Planning and Implementation Plan was produced by the Tripartite Working Group (TWG) formed by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, HKSAR's Civil Aviation Department (CAD) and the Macao Civil Aviation Authority. The arrangements for the implementation of the plan is being discussed by the TWG.
Aircraft Operation and Airworthiness
The HKSAR's CAD and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore signed a 'Technical Arrangement on Aviation Maintenance' on August 29 in Singapore. This agreement is an extension of the one signed by both parties in December 2004, and it expands the scope of mutual recognition of approvals of maintenance organisations to cover all aircraft, engine and component maintenance.
Aviation Security
The CAD ensures that the aviation security measures adopted in Hong Kong meet international standards. The HKIA was fully geared up to receive thousands of visitors and spectators during the Equestrian Events of the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympics Games. With the close rapport developed between the Equestrian Company, Government departments and the airport community, reinforced by a series of drills over the year, the CAD enabled athletes, officials, dignitaries and competition horses to arrive at and depart from Hong Kong safely and comfortably. Restricted flying zones, special handling of flights of competition horses and other procedures were established to achieve the smooth running of the equestrian events.
ICAO Safety Oversight Audit
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) will conduct a safety oversight audit in Hong Kong from February 26 to March 6, 2009. In September 2008, the CAD set up a Task Force to co-ordinate and oversee the preparatory work being undertaken by various divisions of the department and the Hong Kong