Formal establishment of Aviation Security Company Limited

(HONG KONG, 31 December 1997) -- The Airport Authority today (Wednesday) announced that a subsidiary company, bearing the name of the Aviation Security Company Limited (AVSECO), has been established formally to provide aviation security services at the new airport at Chek Lap Kok.

The Chairman of the Airport Authority, Mr Wong Po-yan, will also act as the Chairman of the subsidiary company. Mr Sidney Chau, who has over 25 years of service in the Police and extensive experience in security management, has been seconded to the company to oversee its security operations.

"The primary objective of AVSECO is not to make a profit but to maintain effective aviation security at the new airport. It will therefore provide security services to the Airport Authority, the airlines and other principal airport tenants at Chek Lap Kok on a cost recovery basis only," a spokesman for the Airport Authority said.

A major programme has already started in November this year with a view to selecting some 2,000 personnel required for aviation security operations at the new airport.

"Priority will be given to experienced security personnel particularly those working at Hong Kong's existing international airport at Kai Tak," the spokesman said.

The new company is expected to complete the recruitment exercise and commence staff training in February 1998 before airport opening.

Discussions between AVSECO and the existing private security provider at Kai Tak Airport are underway to facilitate a smooth transfer of selected staff to the new airport.

"It has been agreed between the two operators that staff working at Kai Tak should be retained in order to maintain effective aviation security at the existing airport, but special arrangements will be made to release them to attend necessary training at Chek Lap Kok before airport opening in April 1998," he said.

Ref. PR-320