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In response to media enquiries today (August 15), the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) said that it had, for the first time, granted approval to an airship to operate in Hong Kong from August 16 for three months for aerial advertising, promotion and in connection with a fund raising event.

The airship, which measures about 41 metres (length) X 13 metres (height) X 11 metres (width), is allowed to fly over Victoria Harbour and its adjacent waters at an altitude of about 1,000 feet. It will be moored at the former Kai Tak Airport, and will land and take off from the mid section of the Kai Tak promontory.

The operator has demonstrated that it will be able to comply with all the relevant safety standards, and CAD has approved the operation.

An airship is a lighter than air aircraft. It has twin engines and uses "helium", a non-flammable gas, as a lifting gas which is contained in a large envelope. The airship which will operate in Hong Kong has operated in various cities around the world, including Los Angeles, New York City, London and Singapore.

End/Wednesday, August 15, 2001

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