(d)
- 17 -
whether the Government knows when the Chinese authority will make a final decision regarding the siting of such a co-ordination centre?
Answer:
Mr President,
In view of the proximity of a number of existing and planned airports in the Pearl River Delta Region, the need for careful coordination of airspace management and air traffic control arrangements is well recognised by the civil aviation authorities concerned. Our fundamental objective is to develop, in consultation with neighbouring airports, arrangements which promote the optimal use of airspace, minimise air traffic congestion and lead to the highest levels of operational efficiency and safety.
To this end, regular technical coordination meetings are held between air traffic control managers in Hong Kong and Guangzhou to ensure that operational procedures are in place to meet the needs of existing airports.
A number of options exist for the safe and efficient management of airspace in the Pearl River Delta. The establishment of a joint air traffic control centre, responsible for airspace management for a number of neighbouring airports, is one of the options. The British and Chinese sides have agreed that the various options for air traffic coordination in the Pearl River Delta should be discussed under the auspices of the recently established Infrastructure Coordinating Committee (ICC); and we look forward to discussing the issue within the context of the Committee.
If, following discussions in the Committee, it is concluded that a joint air traffic centre is the preferred option, the air traffic control facility at Hong Kong's new airport would be well-able to undertake such a role. Our new airport at Chek Lap Kok will be the largest in the Region, with traffic volumes on opening likely to be more than double the total handled by all neighbouring airports. It will also have the benefit of the most up-to-date radar and other technical equipment.
End/Wednesday, January 11, 1995