Hong Kong International Airport Tests Integrated Airport Centre in Annual Emergency Exercise

(HONG KONG, 23 November 2007) - Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) today successfully completed its emergency exercise for 2007, the first full-scale simulation since the airport's operation and control functions were merged into the Integrated Airport Centre earlier this year. The annual exercise, which involved around 1,000 representatives from about 30 organisations and government departments, is an aerodrome licensing requirement mandated by the Civil Aviation Department.

Code named Desoto II, the incident started at 0403 hours with the simulated landing of flight XX1234 at HKIA. After the B737-800 parked at a remote stand, one of its engines caught fire and the captain immediately evacuated the aircraft's 155 passengers and crew.

Fire and rescue services rushed to the scene, with the first emergency personnel arriving at 0404. Among those on board, all seven crew members were not injured, and the 107 simulated casualties were sent to five hospitals, while 31 uninjured passengers were escorted to the Family Reception Centre. There were 10 simulated  fatalities in the incident. A simulated press conference was held, with 30 university students posing as journalists. The exercise stood down at 1000 hours.

Airport Management Director Howard Eng said, "Emergency preparedness is among HKIA's highest priorities, and we thank everyone who participated in today's drill. This year's exercise demonstrates that by uniting the AA's operation and control functions into the Integrated Airport Centre, we can detect and respond to emergencies more rapidly, efficiently and effectively."

HKIA stages about 30 drills each year. Various scenarios are used, including incidents on land and at sea, and in the airport's restricted and non-restricted areas. Different airlines serve as the operating carrier in the annual exercise, which is designed to enhance communication and co-ordination among the organisations and government agencies that are involved in the airport's operation. This year's participants included:

Government Departments - Auxiliary Medical Service - Civil Aid Services - Civil Aviation Department - Customs & Excise Department - Department of Health - Fire Services Department - Home Affairs Department - Hong Kong Police Force - Hospital Authority - Immigration Department

Hospitals - Caritas Medical Centre - Princess Margaret Hospital - Queen Elizabeth Hospital - Tuen Mun Hospital - Yan Chai Hospital

Business Partners - Airport Chaplaincy - Aviation Security Co. Ltd. - Hong Kong Airport Services - Hong Kong Express Airways - Jardine Air Terminal Services - Jardine Aviation Services Group - Raffles Medical Group - Regal Airport Hotel

Other Organisations - The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Hong Kong Baptist University - Hong Kong Shue Yan University - Red Cross - St. John Ambulance