CHINA Airlines is involved in discussions with its insurers about the pay-out for the jumbo jet recovered from Victoria Harbour yesterday, two weeks after it skidded off the end of the runway while landing in bad weather.
The US$150 million (HK$1.1 billion) Boeing 747-400, now valued by one metal dealer at scrap worth a mere HK$60,000, was on the taxiway bridge linking the runway to the southern airport apron this morning.
As engineers attempt to move the wreckage to a new resting place on the eastern apron, officials at the Taiwan-based airline will continue talks with their insurers.
Details of compensation for the 273 passengers have still to be worked out.
A China Airlines' official said last week that the passengers' luggage had been returned to their owners, but one source said it was being held at Kai Tak.
Yesterday's lifting operation was greeted with a sigh of relief from Hong Kong Salvage and Towage Company managing director Alan Curtis.