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The Director-General of Civil Aviation, Mr Norman Lo, has been awarded the Mˆmdaille de l'Aˆmronautique, or Medal of Aeronautics, by the French government.
The award was created over 60 years ago in France to honour brave people and pioneers who have played an important role in the promotion of aeronautical knowledge and the skills and values attached to it.
The medal was conferred on Mr Lo by the French Minister for Transport, Mr Dominique Bussereau, at a ceremony held during the 100th anniversary of the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, France, on June 16.
Also attending the ceremony were officials and representatives from the French civil aviation authority, airlines and aviation industry partners, colleagues from the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) and the Government Flying Service.
"The distinguished award is not just a recognition of my personal achievement but a reflection of many years of collective efforts by my colleagues and industry partners," Mr Lo said.
Mr Lo is the first Hong Kong citizen to receive this honour.
Mr Lo has a wide range of professional knowledge and experience in the aviation field. He is a professional pilot, a qualified air traffic controller and an inspector of air accidents. He obtained his Airline Transport Pilot's Licence on aeroplane and helicopter with type ratings on B737, Airbus A330, S76 and EC155 helicopters. He also holds a Master of Aviation degree.
Early in his career, he served as a volunteer pilot with the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force and Government Flying Service, providing emergency and search and rescue services. In his spare time, he provides volunteer service to promote youth education in aviation as the Commandant of the Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps.
In 2004, the CAD and other government departments worked very closely with the French consulate in Hong Kong and the aerobatics team "Patrouille de France" to successfully stage the first fast jet aerobatics display over Hong Kong south.
During the first Asian Aereospace show held in Hong Kong two years ago in 2007, the Airbus A380 fly-past over Victoria Harbour was also accomplished safely under the concerted efforts of the CAD, Airbus and other supporting organisations.
These aviation activities generated much public and media interest and put civil aviation development in Hong Kong into sharp public focus.
Mr Lo joined the CAD in 1977. He was promoted to Assistant Director-General of Civil Aviation in 1997 and to Deputy Director-General of Civil Aviation in 2002. Mr Lo was appointed Director-General of Civil Aviation in April 2004.
Ends/Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Issued at HKT 18:50
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