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The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, today (Wednesday) received the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the operation of the new Hong Kong International Airport.

The Commission was appointed by the Chief Executive-in-Council on July 21 last year to look into the problems associated with the opening of the new airport and its operation.

The Chief Executive thanked the Chairman, the Honourable Mr Justice Woo Kwok-hing and Commissioner, Dr Edgar Cheng for conducting the inquiry and compiling the report within a very tight timetable.

Mr Tung said, "I will study the report carefully and consider in particular what lessons can be learnt in the light of the report. I shall announce my decision regarding the publication of the report tomorrow.

"As I pointed out during my recent visit to the airport, the new airport is now operating smoothly and efficiently despite initial problems. The successful operation of the airport is crucial to our economic development, particularly in enhancing our role as an international aviation centre."

"The Government will continue to work closely with the Airport Authority to ensure that Hong Kong has a world class airport which lives up to the expectation of the community and its users," he said.

End/Wednesday, January 20, 1999

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