Cross-organisational Runway Inspection Kicks Off the 2008 Ramp Safety Campaign

 (HONG KONG, 31 October 2008) – Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) today held the first-ever cross-organisational runway inspection – a special event to kick off this year's annual ramp safety campaign.

A total of 120 participants from 27 airport organisations, including the Airport Authority Hong Kong, government departments, airlines, ramp operators and other business partners, inspected the North Runway from 0715 to 0815hrs and removed debris that could disrupt normal runway operation. To ensure a safe operating environment, HKIA puts in place a comprehensive, round-the-clock monitoring programme which includes five daily runway inspections and regular airfield checks.

Executive Director, Airport Operations of the Airport Authority, Howard Eng said, "Top on our priority, safety is a collective responsibility of the entire airport community which requires the devotion of each and every one of us to fulfil our roles and perform our duties. Today's event showcases the commitment of the airport community to making HKIA the world's safest airport for passengers and staff."

Apart from the routine work safety programmes and events, a large-scale ramp safety campaign is organised every year to reinforce safe airfield operations and promote best practices among airport community. This year's campaign includes a series of talks and seminars on workplace safety for staff working at airfield and baggage hall and a comprehensive safety audit to evaluate the operation safety procedures of ramp operators.

Many other events are organised to promote workplace safety, for example, ramp staff who follow best safety practices will be recognised in a safety role model competition. Other initiatives include photo competition, safety quiz and crossword puzzle game. A new safety video will also be shown at designated workplaces.

Every year, HKIA conducts more than 100 safety training workshops and communication programmes. With the support of business partners, HKIA won a safety performance award from the HK Occupational Safety & Health Council in the past five consecutive years and an international safety award from the British Safety Council in 2008.

The event's participating organisations included:

Government Departments

-  Airport Fire Contingent -  Civil Aviation Department -  Hong Kong Police Force (Airport District)

Business Partners

-  Aeroflot Russian Airlines -  AFSC Refuelling Ltd -  Air Canada -  Airlines Operator Committee -  AVSECO -  Cathay Pacific Airways -  Cathay Pacific Catering Services -  Emirates Airlines -  EVA Air -  Federal Express Crop. -  Gate Gourmet HK Ltd -  Ground Support Engineering Ltd -  Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Co Ltd -  Hong Kong Airport Services Ltd -  Hong Kong Airport Service Providers Association -  Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre Ltd -  Hong Kong Airlines -  Hong Kong Express Airways -  Japan Airlines -  Jardine Aviation Services Group -  Menzies Aviation (HK) Ltd -  Nippon Cargo Airlines -  South African Airways -  United Airlines -  Virgin Atlantic Airways -  Worldwide Flight Services Fuelling (HK) Ltd