Flight-data system tests could not be performed as engineers were 'too busy' fixing a host of problems, it was revealed yesterday.
In the run-up to opening day, engineers were scrambling to solve faults with the flight information system at Chek Lap Kok and essential 'stress tests' were left until after July 6, the Commission of Inquiry on the New Airport heard. Electronic Data Systems project manager Michael Korkowski told the commission 38 problems had to be rectified before opening day.
Responding to questions from commission chairman Mr Justice Woo Kwok-hing, Mr Korkowski said stress tests were standard practice in the industry to ensure a new system could handle a 'full live load' on day one.
But tight deadlines and slipping schedules meant the tests were not formally performed.
He admitted that even had they been carried out, more faults would have been found which would have also needed rectification before airport opening.
Mr Justice Woo asked: 'Were you too busy fixing the 38 [problems]? Had a few stress tests been performed, then would further [problems] have been exposed?' 'Yes,' Mr Korkowski said, adding despite the last-minute fixes, engineers had no time to carry out stress testing.