AsBAA – Asia’s non-profit representative body for the business and general aviation industry – has made a breakthrough in securing additional slots at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).
Further to ongoing lobbying efforts since 2016, the Hong Kong Airport Authority has increased the number of slots available between 04:00pm-08:59pm UTC daily from four to six. The full night period – 02:00pm-10:59pm UTC – now has nine dedicated slots for general and business aviation (GA/BA). The trial period, which was originally scheduled to end on October 7, 2018, has also been extended to March 31, 2019.
Phil Balmer, Hong Kong chapter lead and vice chairman at AsBAA, said, “We have continually pushed the message of securing the industry’s fair share of slots at HKIA. BA/GA creates jobs, boosts the local economy and brings prosperity to Hong Kong.
“When the industry is permitted to thrive, everyone benefits. We are ecstatic and proud that the association’s continuous lobbying efforts have assisted in the increase of slots available to our members at HKIA.
“We are a team of volunteers, however, with the support of the industry we have evidenced the steps forward that can be taken when working together. We raise issues with various regional authorities and we work collectively toward positive solutions for the entire aviation industry. Today’s announcement is evidence of the result of such collaborative work.”
AsBAA first formed a slot co-ordination quarterly meeting with the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department and Hong Kong Airport Authority in 2016. With advocacy as one of the association’s three key pillars, its mission is to represent its members and industry stakeholders with ‘one voice’ to engage the regulators and airport authorities.
