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FS'speech at HK Business Aviation Centre Hangar 2 Opening (English only)(with photos/video)
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    Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, at the Grand Opening Ceremony of Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre Hangar 2 this morning (September 3):

Mr Christopher Cheng, Mr Raymond Kwok, Sir Michael Kadoorie, Mr Norman Lo, Mr Stanley Hui, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

     I am delighted to be here with you today to celebrate the opening of the second hangar of the Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre.

     Since its inception, the Business Aviation Centre has positioned itself as Asia's premier executive aviation support facility and has played an important role in meeting the travelling needs of senior business executives.

     The $100 million investment in the new hangar, which occupies a site of 4,500 square metres, greatly enhances the Centre's capability to serve its clients.  For example, the new hangar can now accommodate next generation large business jets, such as Boeing 737-700 and the Airbus Corporate Jet.

     The investment is also a vote of confidence in the future of executive jet traffic, which we expect will continue its rapid growth in the light of our vibrant economy and the exponential growth of the Mainland economy.  With the second hangar in place, the Business Aviation Centre will be best placed to compete and respond to the market needs brought about by such growth.

     The improved services of the Centre will also strengthen the connectivity of the Hong Kong International Airport, which prides itself on being a regional and international aviation centre and one of the gateway hubs of the Mainland. The Airport Authority and the Government are working closely to maintain the long-term competitiveness of the airport.  Apart from expanding the air network, we are pursuing various initiatives to stay ahead in the highly competitive aviation environment.  I am sure the Centre will continue to play a significant contributing role, and I look forward to even closer co-operation between the Centre and the Airport Authority on this front.

     Ladies and Gentlemen, today's occasion has another aspect of significance as we celebrate the opening of the hangar at the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.  And we all certainly wish Hong Kong continued prosperity and development.  Against this background, may I take this opportunity to wish the Centre every success in the years to come!

     Thank you.

Ends/Monday, September 3, 2007
Issued at HKT 12:55

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