When passengers made the white-knuckle descent between tower blocks on the flight path to Kai Tak Airport, they could see families watching television or gathered round tables in their homes. Out of Chek Lap Kok, twice in recent months, they have had similar close encounters - with people sitting in other aircraft.
If the spate of incidents involving air security continues, it will derail the good reputation that has been building up in the past two years. Hong Kong International Airport may have recovered dramatically from the trauma of its first days, but it would not do for overconfidence to take hold. This is still a very new facility. Teams are still learning to work together, as well as absorbing the many recruits who are attracted to the industry, looking for a challenging career.
But, if the timetable to introduce full localisation is proceeding too quickly, then perhaps the training times should be rescheduled. Localisation is a laudable goal, but it is not something that can be done overnight. When lives depend on the skill of the staff in the control tower, it is essential that trainees are given ample time to familiarise themselves with procedures; also that they have the necessary language skills, and that they are supervised adequately throughout.
Air traffic in the region increases yearly. New airports in Macau and the Pearl River Delta mean the skies over Hong Kong will become increasingly crowded. Business at Chek Lap Kok has grown phenomenally as Asia recovers from the economic crisis. But along with that has come a 30 per cent increase in potentially dangerous incidents. In 15 cases out of 28, the mishap was traced to 'inappropriate' orders from controllers. So it is fair to assume that adjustments are needed to work procedures.
With the opening of the second runway, and the introduction of different flight paths, it would be understandable if air traffic control officers felt under strain. Several highly experienced staff left with the closure of Kai Tak, and the new team has greater pressure to cope with. Even the old hands have to familiarise themselves with advanced technology and more sophisticated equipment, while coping with a vast increase in air traffic.
In March, the Civil Aviation Department gave the go-ahead to handle five extra flights an hour, and the annual capacity that the airport is capable of handling is 45 million passengers. Even more spectacular has been the growth in air cargo services. The 2.06 million tonnes last year was less than a quarter of the capacity the Airport Authority is planning for. Everything is set for the airport to become a regional hub, but on that depends the skill and expertise of the staff. Unless they are the best in their class, that goal will be hard to achieve.
