ENG-1998 — Page 324

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TRANSPORT

The HKSAR Government continues to negotiate with foreign aviation partners on air services agreements (ASAs) and air services transit agreements (ASTAs). It also continues to hold air services consultations with aviation partners to institute and review arrangements to enable airlines to provide air services in response to changing market circumstances. In 1998, 14 rounds of air services consultations were held with 12 aviation partners. Twelve more ASAS were signed with Pakistan, Bahrain, Israel, Turkey, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates, Luxembourg, Mauritius, Austria, Papua New Guinea, Nepal and Oman - bringing the total of such ASAs to 34. ASTAS were signed with Maldives and Lithuania.

In 1998, the Air Transport Licensing Authority granted seven licenses to HKSAR airlines: two to CPA and five to Dragonair. At the end of the year, CPA held licenses to operate scheduled services to 77 cities, Dragonair to 79 cities and AHK to 35 cities.

Aircraft maintenance

In connection with the relocation of HKIA, the Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited (HAECO) transferred all its aircraft-maintenance facilities to the new airport at Chek Lap Kok, and all its component maintenance to Tseung Kwan O. Approval was granted to two new aircraft line maintenance organisations, the China Aircraft Services Limited (CASL) and Pan Asia Pacific Aviation Services Limited (PAPAS). However, HAECO remained the only base maintenance organisation approved in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Aero Engine Services Limited (HAESL) combined all engine overhaul facilities under one roof in Tseung Kwan O.

Aviation Security

The Aviation Security Ordinance provides comprehensive local legislation to implement aviation security-related conventions and agreements promulgated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. In June 1998, the Aviation Security Regulation was brought into effect to enable the enforcement of access control into the Restricted Area of the new HKIA at Chek Lap Kok. Meanwhile, the Aviation Security Programme developed by the government, in consultation with the airport operators, airlines and other concerned parties, has laid down the aviation security requirements for different operators at the airport. These form the basis for implementing effective aviation security measures in Hong Kong. They establish a clear framework for maintaining Hong Kong's aviation security practices at the highest international standards.