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by requiring all aircraft programmed to operate after 9 p.m. to comply with the most stringent noise abatement standards laid down by the International Civil Aviation Organisation - and some 97% of aircraft operating in and out of Kai Tak already meet these standards; and
by making mandatory on airlines, with effect from November last year, the adoption of ICAO approved noise abatement procedures on take-off.
At the same time, Mr President, we are openly and sincerely soliciting the views of the public before deciding whether to implement measures which may add to that burden, as I spoke of earlier.
I would now like to turn to the outcome of the public consultation exercise. As of today, we have received over 100 responses including 8 from District Boards and 73 from groups and organisations. Some 54 % of these responses are supportive of the proposals in the Administration's consultation paper, with representations from the business sector - which includes trade organisations, chambers of commerce and travel and tourism-related companies - unanimous in their support for measures which they consider will stimulate business and bring substantial direct and indirect economic benefits to the whole community.
31% of the responses, including those from three District Boards; residents groups; and a number of non- business organisations are opposed to any increase in the number of flights programmed. A further 12% of responses are opposed to the proposed 1 hour extension of airport operating hours, but do not rule out some increase in capacity during existing operating hours.
Mr President, in the light of the strong body of public opinion against the proposal, and, in particular, the concerns expressed about the possible impact on the health of residents, the Administration has decided not to proceed with implementation of the 1 hour extension to the operating hours of the airport suggested in the consultation document. In other words, the existing curfew on landings and take-offs between mid-night and 6:30 a.m. will be maintained.
On the other hand, the Administration has not yet reached any final decisions on whether to implement some increase in the number of landings and take-offs in the hours of 6:30 to 7 a.m. and 9 to 11:30 p.m. We believe that before final decisions on this issue are taken, further work should be carried out to see whether there are ways of reducing still further the disturbance to residents -not just from possible additional flights, but also from existing aircraft movements.