Silence from aircraft noise may be on horizon for Hong Kong airport neighbours
Professor urges more study and consultation on third runway plan
For those living near Chek Lap Kok airport who have been putting up with aircraft noise pollution, there may be some long-term relief in sight.
Professor Zhang Xin, a new professor at the University of Science and Technology, said local expertise would be available and should be used to help solve the high-decibel problem.
As construction of the third runway appears imminent, Zhang said management of the new airstrip was crucial.
"If you place it really close to residential areas and planes take off right above these areas, it would definitely cause a problem. So we need to study it," he added.
Zhang, who is an expert on aeroacoustics and studies ways to reduce aircraft noise, said a course in aerodynamics he will help kick-start next year could offer a cost-effective solution to analysing the problem.
"If we have expertise here, we have students here and we have the faculty here, we can help," said Zhang, the chair professor of HKUST's mechanical and aerospace engineering department.
The university has previously offered minor courses related to aerodynamics. Starting next year, Zhang is set to turn the course into an undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering, aided by the university's injection of HK$50 million into a new research facility.