As part of the series of events to celebrate the "Year of France in China" programme, the Patrouille de France will stage an aerobatic display on October 20, 2004, in Hong Kong. Announcements on the related special traffic and crowd management arrangements have been made today (October 15).
"In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Sino-French relations, we are very happy to bring to the citizens of Hong Kong the "Patrouille de France" -- one of the world's best aerobatics display teams that has always played a diplomatic role for France," Consul-General of France Mr Serge Mostura said.
"We warmly welcome the world-renowned Patrouille de France. The coming aerobatic display will be the first large scale display of its kind in Hong Kong. It will certainly be a very entertaining performance for the community and visiting tourists. Government departments concerned are working closely to facilitate the successful staging of the event," a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government spokesman said.
The formation of eight aircraft (Alpha Jets) will first perform a flypast which smoke paints the sky to the colours of the French flag shortly after 2 pm on October 20. Members of the public will be able to see the stunning display on both sides of the Harbour. The aerobatic team will then perform various aerobatic manoeuvres lasting about 35 minutes off the coast of Hong Kong Island South. The manoeuvres can be viewed at various locations including the public beaches in the Southern District and Ocean Park.
To facilitate the performance and public viewing in Island South, special arrangements on sea, land and air traffic as well as crowd management measures will be implemented.
The aerobatic display will be broadcast live by Cable TV, Phoenix TV and exTV.
In case weather conditions on October 20 do not permit, the display will be postponed to October 21 and timely public announcement will be made.
Ends/ Friday, October 15, 2004
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