Hong Kong Observatory launches electronic flight bag application "MyFlightWx" (with photos)
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     The Hong Kong Observatory announced today (December 14) the launch of "MyFlightWx", an electronic flight bag mobile application to provide flight crews with the latest weather information. The Director of the Observatory, Mr Shun Chi-ming; Deputy Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Commerce and Industry) Mr Gary Poon; the General Manager Operations of Cathay Pacific Airways, Mr Mark Hoey; and the Executive Director of Airport Operations of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, Mr Ng Chi-kee, officiated at the launching ceremony and celebrated the 80th anniversary of aviation weather services in Hong Kong.

     The Observatory developed "MyFlightWx", an electronic flight bag application for flights using Hong Kong International Airport. The app replaces traditional paper-based meteorological flight documentation. By entering a flight number in the app, the app will automatically download the relevant weather information, including images and weather charts, based on the flight plan filed by the airlines. On aircraft equipped with Wi-Fi, flight crews can download data updates and keep abreast of the latest weather conditions during a flight. Cathay Pacific is the first airline to use the app and it has provided valuable comments during design and testing of the app.

     Mr Shun said at the ceremony, "'MyFlightWx' is the world's first electronic flight bag weather app developed by a meteorological authority. Its launch is a major milestone and marks the first time that aeronautical meteorological information, including imagery information, can be transmitted directly to aircraft in flight."

     Addressing the ceremony, Mr Poon commended the Observatory's continuous efforts and achievements in enhancing its aviation weather services, and providing the industry with accurate and timely forecasts. He encouraged the Observatory staff to continue to serve the public with professionalism.
 
     Mr Hoey said, "We are delighted to have worked closely with the Observatory and assisted in the development of this app. The app provides our flight crews with more accurate weather data and helps increase efficiencies in our flight operations."

     Mr Ng commended the Observatory for providing quality aviation weather services for Hong Kong International Airport and tailor-made services to meet the special requirements of the airport. Particularly, it issues timely warnings on inclement weather affecting the airport. Continual research carried out by the Observatory enhances the service quality in support of safe and efficient air navigation.

     The Observatory also announced today the launch of the two-month-long Cloud-sourcing: In Touch with Weather from Land, Sea and Air - Photo and Video Collection Campaign. Participants can submit their photos or videos via the campaign website on or before February 13, 2018. Shortlisted entries will have the opportunity to be displayed in an exhibition to be held in the second half of 2018. For details of the campaign, please visit the following website: co-win.org/campaign/cloudsourcing2018/.

Ends/Thursday, December 14, 2017
Issued at HKT 16:19

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