No decision on airport chief

BRITAIN and China have yet to reach agreement on the appointment of the Airport Authority's first chairman, a Chinese representative of the Airport Committee said yesterday.

Hu Huocheng said more discussion was needed before a final decision.

But China has set some basic requirements for the person who will fill the post.

'The chairman should be familiar with the new airport's operation [and] willing to commit to Hong Kong's social affairs,' he said, adding that age was not a factor.

Airport Consultative Committee chairman Wong Po-yan, 72, is tipped to be a candidate.

'To sum up, the [chairman] should have thorough knowledge of the territory,' said Mr Hu, although he refused to say whether Mr Wong was a suitable candidate.