Official opening of new Civil Aviation Department Headquarters (with photos/video)

Official opening of new Civil Aviation Department Headquarters (with photos/video)
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     The new Civil Aviation Department (CAD) Headquarters in Lantau was officially opened by the Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung today (May 23).

     Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Leung said CAD has been providing professional and effective air traffic control services, and maintaining a safe and efficient air transport system in Hong Kong, which is crucial to the success of our aviation industry.

     "Its exemplary standard of regulatory oversight has also earned CAD the reputation as one of the most highly regarded civil aviation authorities anywhere. The new building brings all divisions of the department, that used to be scattered in various locations, under one roof. I am sure the new Headquarters and Air Traffic Control Centre will enhance the operational efficiency of the department, and help us rise to future challenges," said Mr Leung.

     Joining the Chief Executive to mark the official opening were the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Professor Anthony Cheung Bing-leung, and the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Mr Norman Lo.

     Mr Lo said in his opening remarks that the design themes of the CAD Headquarters were sustainability, environmental friendliness and education.

     "The new air traffic control system will enable CAD to cater for traffic demand up to year 2030 and beyond. Environmental friendly facilities and energy-saving designs symbolise our commitment to achieving sustainable development. With improved facilities and additional manpower resources, CAD is poised to take up an even more active role in organising aviation conference as well as promoting youth aviation education to arouse the interest of our next generation in taking up aviation as a long term career," added Mr Lo.

     Having a gross floor area of 41 000 square metres, the CAD Headquarters comprises a Regulatory and Training Building, an Air Traffic Control Centre and an Accident Investigation and Facilities Building. Over 30 per cent of the site area and the roof of the Headquarters are garden-landscaped. Various environmental friendly and energy-saving facilities such as photovoltaic panels, light pipes, solar lighting collectors with fibre optic solar tracking, solar powered pole lighting and rainwater recycling system are installed. The CAD Headquarters is one of the greenest building premises in Hong Kong.

     The Aviation Education Path is another highlight of the CAD Headquarters. There are three exhibition galleries in the Path, which introduce Hong Kong's aviation history, air traffic control operations, aviation security, flight safety and aircraft accident investigation. The exhibition contents have been designed to enable easy understanding through text, artifacts and interactive multimedia systems in order to arouse public interest in aviation and relevant knowledge. The Education Path is now open for group visits by schools, organisations and our industry partners.

Ends/Thursday, May 23, 2013
Issued at HKT 21:49

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