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Air services between Hong Kong and Taiwan
Following is a question by the Hon Law Cheung-kwok and a written reply by the Secretary for Economic Services, Mr Gordon Siu, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
Will the Government inform this Council'
(a) whether, in order to be eligible to apply for a licence to operate air services between Hong Kong and Taiwan, the China National Aviation Corporation (CNAC) has made a formal application to become an airline whose principal operation is based in the territory; if so, what factors the Government will take into consideration in determining whether a licence will be granted to CNAC to operate the route; if not, whether it will consider inviting CNAC to make such an application; and
(b) what share of the market does the Cathay Pacific Airways (CPA) have in providing air services between Hong Kong and Taiwan, and whether CPA has adopted any policy which is not in the interest of the consumers?
Reply:
(a) The China National Aviation Corporation (Hong Kong) Ltd (CNAC(HK)) submitted an application for an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) to the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) on 29 March 1995. Securing an AOC is a necessary pre-requisite to operate Hong Kong registered aircraft for the purpose of public transport. An AOC may be granted if the Governor is satisfied that the applicant is competent, having regard in particular to his previous conduct and experience, his equipment, organisation, staffing, maintenance and other arrangements to secure the safe operation of aircraft of the types specified in the certificate. CNAC(HK) has not yet submitted any documents in support of its application. CAD will give due consideration to the application when such documents are received.