The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) reported to the Transport and Housing Bureau (THB) on an incident concerning the new Air Traffic Management System (ATMS) today (November 29). The incident involves the Flight Data Processor (FDP), which is one of the sub-systems of the new ATMS. The Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conducted a media stand-up this evening to explain the incident to the public. The DGCA confirmed that aviation safety was not affected by the incident.

     Aviation safety is of utmost importance. The incident, which appears to relate to the new ATMS' performance, is of concern to the THB. The Secretary for Transport and Housing, Professor Anthony Cheung Bing-leung, has instructed the CAD to thoroughly review the incident and its causes. The THB noted that the CAD had asked Raytheon, the system's contractor, to submit an incident report and propose the necessary fix within 48 hours. The senior management of Raytheon had also been requested to meet the DGCA in Hong Kong over this incident and other teething issues identified since the system's commissioning, with a view to identifying effective solutions to further optimise the system. An expert panel involving those with expertise in the fields of, among others, electronics engineering and air traffic management control will be set up to offer expert advice to the CAD on its on-going efforts in optimising the operation of the new ATMS. At the same time, the THB is approaching its independent overseas consultant, the UK-based National Air Traffic Services (NATS), for expert advice on what follow-up actions should be taken with a view to ensuring the highest level of aviation safety based on international experiences and best practices.

     The CAD will continue to closely report to the THB on the operation of the new ATMS, and the THB will closely monitor the situation. The public and all stakeholders can rest assured that the THB and the CAD will keep them informed of key developments, and will spare no effort in ensuring the safety of the new ATMS. Aviation safety will not be compromised under any circumstance.

Ends/Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Issued at HKT 20:10

NNNN