ENG-2004 — Page 351

Transport | 301

Macao Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan to meet the forecast growth in cross-boundary helicopter services. Domestic helicopter services continued to operate from the temporary heliport at the West Kowloon Reclamation. Night flights were introduced in September 2004.

Air Traffic Control

The overall air traffic control (ATC) system continued to perform in a stable and reliable manner. The number of aircraft movements at HKIA and overflights handled were 237 308 and 116 885 respectively.

The replacement long-range primary Route Surveillance Radar at Mount Parker was put into operation on March 30, 2004. To meet the new requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) on Regional Operational Meteorological Bulletin Exchange (ROBEX), a new ROBEX System was developed and put into operation on November 25, 2004. The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) also started work to replace the Doppler Very High Frequency Omni-Directional Radio Range and Distance Measuring Equipment at Tung Lung Island.

CAD also worked with the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC) to pave the way for the relay of secondary surveillance radar (SSR) data and Very High Frequency (VHF) communications signals from Xisha to Hong Kong to enhance ATC operational efficiency in the Hong Kong Flight Information Region.

To ensure the provision of efficient ATC service in the Pearl River Delta area, CAD maintained close liaison with the civil aviation authorities of the Mainland and Macao. In 2004, a high level tri-partite working group was established to oversee the development of an enhanced airspace and flight procedure model for the region with a view to supporting the long-term sustainable growth of air traffic in the region.

In anticipation of the large amount of evaluation work relating to airspace and flight procedure studies, the CAD acquired an Air Traffic Control Fast Time Simulator in 2004. With the new equipment, the department can conduct more systematic, detailed and efficient analyses of airspace/procedure changes. This will enhance the safety and efficiency of the air transport system.

On May 31 and June 1, 2004, CAD joined hands with the People's Liberation Army Military Force in the HKSAR and various government departments to conduct a local search and rescue exercise. The main objective of the exercise was to enhance coordination and cooperation among various search and rescue units. To further the cooperation between CAD and CAAC in investigating aircraft accidents, serious incidents and search and rescue operations, CAD signed a Cooperation Arrangement on Aircraft Accident Investigation and Search and Rescue with the Office of Aviation Safety of CAAC in April.

On October 20, 2004, Hong Kong staged its first large scale aerobatic display. A formation of eight Alpha Jets of the French Aerobatic Display Team, Patrouille de France, performed a flypast over Victoria Harbour and aerobatic manoeuvres off the coast of Hong Kong Island South. CAD provided technical support throughout the

event.