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A series of events will be organised throughout next year to celebrate the 100th anniversary of aviation development in Hong Kong.
The celebration events were announced today (November 22) by the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Mr Norman Lo, and leaders in the aviation industry at a press conference, followed by an unveiling ceremony for the official logo of the events.
Mr Lo provided an overview of events being planned to commemorate this important milestone for Hong Kong.
Next year's celebratory events include a photo exhibition, Asian Aerospace 2011, an aircraft pull, a charity gala dinner, career talks and visits, an aviation knowledge contest, 4D movie shows, a birdman flying competition and a carnival day. Various commemorative items, such as special stamps and philatelic souvenirs will be issued. Please refer to the annex for details.
"Through these programmes, we aim to celebrate the centenary of the first powered flight in Hong Kong and to promote Hong Kong as an international and regional aviation centre," said Mr Lo.
"We also target to raise funds for charity and promote aviation knowledge among young people.
"Over 40 organisations are engaged in support of the events. I am encouraged to see that the whole aviation industry is working in unity and with great team spirit to bring memorable events to Hong Kong people," added Mr Lo.
Also in attendance at the press conference and officiating at the unveiling ceremony were the Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, Mr Stanley Hui; the Chief Executive of Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, Mr Tony Tyler; and the President of Hong Kong Airlines Limited, Mr Yang Jianhong.
Speaking at the press conference, Mr Stanley Hui said Hong Kong has made great strides forward in the development of aviation over the last century. "Today, Hong Kong International Airport is one of the world's best and busiest airports. What's most encouraging is that we look forward to setting record highs in all traffic categories this year. With increasing flows of people and goods, the airport will continue to make significant contributions - both to our economy, and to Hong Kong's overall competitiveness as 'Asia's World City'. The Airport Authority is committed to giving its full support to next year's centenary celebrations," he said.
"Over the past 64 years, Cathay Pacific has played an integral part in the growth of Hong Kong's aviation industry, and so we are honoured and privileged to take part in activities to mark this important milestone for aviation in our home city," said Mr Tony Tyler of Cathay Pacific.
"Hong Kong is now undoubtedly one of the world's great aviation centres, and at Cathay Pacific we have made huge investments to further the development of this fantastic hub. We are committed to helping ensure the 100th anniversary celebrations are a success and are delighted to give our support to a number of different anniversary activities," he added.
Mr Yang Jianhong said, "It is with great honour that we at Hong Kong Airlines and Hong Kong Express celebrate the 100th anniversary of aviation development in Hong Kong. Being an integral part of Hong Kong's aviation industry, we strive to bring innovation and excellence for the best of Hong Kongˇ¦s aviation future."
Background information
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Aviation activities in Hong Kong began with balloon flights in the 19th Century. In 1911, an aviation pioneer from Belgium, Charles Van den Born, arrived in Hong Kong with three Henry Farman biplanes. He flew from the beach in Sha Tin on March 18, 1911 - the first powered flight ever in Hong Kong. The year 2011 marks the centenary of powered flight in Hong Kong. The aviation industry is jointly organising a series of events to commemorate this important milestone.
Ends/Monday, November 22, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:16
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