ENG-1948 — Page 148

Civil Aviation,

Hong Kong has taken its place in the world wide system of civil aviation and from all parts of the globe airlines meet at Hong Kong to diverge again over the Far East. The network of routes from the airport at Kai Tak, near Kowloon, goes southward to Hanoi, Saigon, Bangkok, Singapore, Rangoon, and on to Australia, or to India and Europe; eastward to Manila and to the United States or South America; northward to Japan and north and west to all parts of China. To carry traffic which at the end or the year amounted to 25,000 passengers per month and large quantities of mail and freight, aircraft of the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, China, Philippines, Siam, U.S.A., France and Norway arrive at the rate of 25 per day. In under 10 years the number of people flying in and out of the Colony has risen from about 6,000 to nearly a quarter of a million a year; 75% of the travellers pass to and from China.

The topography of Hong Kong makes the location of a modern airport a most difficult problem. Kai Tak is recognised as unsuitable for the aircraft which will be flying the routes within the next few years. A careful survey of possible sites has been

made and one which conforms with international standards has been found. Kai Tak will necessarily be used for some time to come and consequently certain essential new buildings were constructed during the course of the year. These included one to house air traffic control, meteorological and signals sections, a new airfield control tower which affords a full view of the run-ways and offices, workshops and one hangar constructed by operating companies. There is now very little land left for further expansion. Other improvements are the installation of runway electric lighting for emergency night landings, direction finding equipment on Victoria Peak and much increased facilities for communication with aircraft and airports.

In order to meet some of the cost of the extensive service now available to aircraft the landing fees, which had not been changed since 1937, were increased and revenue derived from all sources rose to $557,230. Rates for fares and air cargo have shown a slight tendency upwards over the year. The average rate for passengers in this area is 46 cents per mile for a flight to Shanghai; a journey of similar length in Europe would cost about 38 cents per mile. Although no really modern landplanes are yet operating, the comfort of the Dakotas and Skymasters has been much im- proved and careful attention is given to passenger requirements in the air and on the ground. On some airlines travellers while in the air are now able to send private telegrams.

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