The Government knew in advance of a litany of problems which erupted into the chaos on Chek Lap Kok airport's opening day, it was revealed yesterday.
Airport Authority chief executive Hank Townsend told the commission of inquiry into the new airport he had reported the large number of faults to the administration ahead of the July 6 opening.
On his second day of evidence, Dr Townsend was confronted with 20 problems ranging from the air cargo operator's system failure, faulty flight information display system and baggage handling breakdown to a lack of signs, broken escalators and out-of-order toilets.
Plans were in place to deal with these 'outstanding items' on the launch date and afterwards, he said.
'I don't believe anyone anticipated the steamroller effect of some of the events that occurred on opening,' he said, under questioning by Cathay Pacific's counsel, Adrian Huggins SC.
The inquiry was told Chief Secretary for Administration Anson Chan Fang On-san, who was in close contact with the authority, insisted the set date was 'irreversible'.
She had been referring to the authority's plans to propose an April opening date to its board, which the Government opposed in favour of a later launch.
