ENG-2015 — Page 276

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Transport

Scandinavian Airlines started services from Hanoi and Stockholm respectively in September; and Myanmar National Airlines started services from Yangon in December. As regards the scheduled all-cargo services of non-Hong Kong airlines, Sky Lease started services from Miami in July.

Air Traffic Management

In 2015, the Air Traffic Management system handled over 406,020 aircraft movements at the airport and more than 250,000 over-flights, including traffic to and from Macao, representing an increase of about 3 per cent and 8 per cent respectively compared with 2014. The Civil Aviation Department increased the runway capacity during the peak hours of 11 am and 4 pm from 66 to 68 flight movements per hour by further enhancing flight procedures and introducing reduced longitudinal separation standards on some routes. To manage the provision of safe, efficient and sustainable air traffic control (ATC) service to support projected air traffic growth, the department continued its ATC System Replacement Project. The new ATC system has undergone a series of thorough and stringent acceptance tests. The department is generally satisfied with the test results. The new ATC Centre will be ready for operation after completing training for ATC operational staff and an overall safety assessment according to established international aviation safety management standards and procedures.

Aviation Security

Conventions and agreements on aviation security, issued by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, are implemented through the Aviation Security Ordinance. The Hong Kong Aviation Security Programme, which was drawn up under the Ordinance in consultation with the aviation community and other concerned parties, stipulates the aviation security requirements for the various operators and service providers at the airport. The Civil Aviation Department monitors closely the implementation of these requirements to ensure international standards are met.

International Transport and Logistics

Logistics is an important sector of the economy, accounting for about 3.4 per cent of Hong Kong's Gross Domestic Product. Given its strategic location, world-class infrastructure and business-friendly environment, Hong Kong has long established itself as a preferred transport and logistics hub in Asia. It is also one of the world's busiest international air cargo centres and one of the world's busiest container ports. These achievements are attributed to the operators of the services and facilities - the investors and the efficient workforce, as well as the constructive partnership and co-operation between the private and public sectors. Efficient, reliable and well connected, Hong Kong's airport and seaport are vital to the territory's logistics industry.

Hong Kong is also home to the most productive and efficient container terminals, which are renowned international private terminal operators. A comprehensive network of container line services connects the port of Hong Kong with destinations across the globe. Operating round the clock, the nine container terminals at Kwai Chung-Tsing Yi provide a total handling capacity of more than 20 million TEUS per year.

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