Pioneer aircraft flies at ultra-modern Chek Lap Kok

(HONG KONG, 15 November 1997) -- A replica of the first aircraft to fly in Hong Kong made a commemorative flight today over the new airport at Chek Lap Kok.

A far cry from the jumbo jets that will begin landing at the new airport in April 1998, the wooden and fabric craft made a brief flight over the newly completed southern runway. It is a replica of the French-made Farman biplane flown at Sha Tin on 18 March 1911 by pioneer Belgian aviator Charles Van den Born. Today's flight was piloted by the replica's builder, Roger Freeman, of Vintage Aviation Services in Marion, Texas.

The Farman project, which has taken several years to complete, was initiated by the Hong Kong Historical Aircraft Association (HKHAA) with its principal sponsor Shell (HK) Ltd. By agreement between the Association and the Airport Authority (AA), the replica will be put on display over the Meeters and Greeters Hall of the new Passenger Terminal Building as part of the new airport's artworks programme.

Miss Maria Tam, an AA Board Member and chairman of its Artworks Committee, said at today's ceremony at the Government Flying Service facility at Chek Lap Kok that it was important to remember the accomplishments of men and women in the advancement of Hong Kong as a centre of aviation in the region. "I am delighted that the HKHAA has seen fit to memorialise the endeavours of Charles Van den Born, who deserves credit for setting in place the foundation of our aviation industry," Miss Tam added.

Ref. PR-313