Hong Kong airport runway slots being hijacked for profit via online booking system
Precious positions becoming scarcer for private jets because unscrupulous players are rigging the system, aviation regulator source says
Precious runway slots are becoming scarcer for private jets at Hong Kong’s airport because a new online booking platform has been hijacked by unscrupulous players rigging the system for profit, the Post has learned.
Unidentified companies or individuals were using computer algorithms to snap up take-off and landing slot rights as soon as they became available, an aviation regulator source said.
The Post understands that the Civil Aviation Department (CAD), through its Schedule Coordination Office, which handles runway slot allocations, has started investigating allegations that private jet slots are being scalped for “thousands of US dollars” amid unprecedented demand for flying access.
When asked about it yesterday, the CAD said it had found no evidence so far, but would continue looking into it.
But business aviation industry insiders said the situation was escalating out of control, and they would consider legal action against the department if no action was taken.
The online booking platform for private jet operators was officially rolled out on March 15 to make the most efficient use of the airport’s two runways, which are approaching maximum capacity.