Government Flying Service (GFS) pilots will be the early birds at Chek Lap Kok, starting operations there from June 23, two weeks before it opens for commercial flights. The 254 personnel, nine helicopters and two fixed-wing planes will be making the switch to the new airport in advance, so that their Kai Tak site can be used for the main overnight move on July 5. A section of the airport fence next to GFS headquarters will be cut out to make an exit to Cheung Yip Street for convoys of equipment. The GFS site will also give access to Kai Tak pier, where barges will pick up the largest items for transport to Chek Lap Kok. GFS controller Brian Butt Yiu-ming said: 'We have to move two weeks early so that our area can be used for the dispersal of equipment by barge and road.' Construction of the purpose-built GFS headquarters at Chek Lap Kok will be completed by the end of next month. 'We will have a better view of the apron area and the communication system will be much improved,' Mr Butt said.
