Pilots' working hours will take account of their body clocks for the first time under a scheme to be introduced next month.
The scheme, which aims to reduce cockpit fatigue, includes reductions in the number of hours spent at the controls on certain flights, and will ensure adequate rest periods.
A working group, which was set up by the Civil Aviation Department in January 1997, said the scheme would begin on March 1.
It follows agreement with eight firms, including Cathay Pacific, Dragonair, Heliservices and the Government Flying Service.
Pilots' unions and medical specialists also participated in the working group which looked at aspects of fatigue, including the effects of pilots' biological clocks on long-haul flights.
It is the first time such a scheme has been introduced anywhere in the world.
