Action under way to resolve airport problems

(HONG KONG, 7 July 1998) -- The Chief Secretary for Administration Mrs Anson Chan and the Financial Secretary Mr Donald Tsang today visited the new Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok to see for themselves developments and progress by the Airport Authority (AA) and business partners in handling the various issues which have arisen since opening.

Mrs Chan and Mr Tsang reviewed progress on the various issues with the AA and noted the following :

A. Baggage Handling. The AA had taken steps with the baggage handling contractors to increase resources, improve co-ordination and tackle the backlog of short-shipped bags. As at 6pm, only 2,000 bags remained and these would be cleared by tonight. Meanwhile, it was noted that the opening day problems had not recurred today and the system was now operating more smoothly.

B. Ramp Handling. Co-ordinated by the AA, the three ramp handling franchisees had pooled equipment resources. This would improve services and service times to aircraft at airbridges and remote stands.

C. Flight Information Display System (FIDS). Action had been taken by airport management to ensure the input of more timely data into the system, whose accuracy was now steadily improving.

D. Restaurants. The AA was working with its restaurant licensees to ensure 24-hour operation, where necessary, reliability of stocking and to remedy other problems such as water supply, air-conditioning and staff availability.

E. Airbridges. The technical problems which had affected four airbridges on day one through mis-use had been solved and there had been no similar incidents today.

F. Cleaning. The cleaning contractor had been instructed to increase manpower to provide a better service, in particular to toilets.

G. Telephone Communications. Urgent action is under way to complete connections to the remaining, unconnected public telephones and courtesy telephones.

H. Air-Conditioning. A brief drop in air-conditioning supply on opening day was caused by a problem with sea water supply to the chiller system. This had been repaired and the problem had not recurred.

I. Escalators. The escalators and travellators had been adjusted to provide for smooth and continuous operation.

J. Signage. Additional signs have already been ordered and will be installed as soon as possible. Meanwhile, for the more essential areas, such as in the arrivals hall, temporary signage would be provided.

The Chief Secretary and Financial Secretary welcomed the measures that had been taken by the AA, together with business partners, including airlines, franchisees, terminal licensees, and contractors. They further encouraged the AA to continue to work expeditiously with all concerned towards ensuring that the commitment to provide Hong Kong with a world-class international airport was achieved.

Ref. PR-363