Hong Kong has introduced a new air traffic management system (ATMS) that is designed to enhance air safety, particularly in view of the construction of a three-runway system at Hong Kong International Airport.
The Civil Aviation Department carried out the partial implementation of the system on June 19, initially serving to provide some support to the operations of the air traffic control tower.
The system’s operational scope and service will be gradually increased over the next few months until it is ready for full commissioning by October or November, when it will completely replace the existing system.
Once fully in place, the ATMS will be able to handle 8,000 flight plans per day and simultaneously monitor 1,500 air or ground targets, representing five times and 1.5 times the existing system.
The department said the new system is designed to meet the latest international standards on technical, safety, and operational requirements. The agency added that it has conducted stringent acceptance tests on the new system on a par with international aviation safety management standards.
The UK-based independent consultant National Air Traffic Services confirmed the system engineering is safe, stable and reliable, and on a par with good practice in air traffic management centers in other jurisdictions, such as the UK and Singapore, said the department.
The consultant has suggested a partial implementation of the new system to allow more time for air traffic control staff to familiarize themselves with the system’s functions and operations, and to minimize the risk of providing full functional services during the typhoon season.
Secretary for Transport & Housing Anthony Cheung said, “In launching the new air traffic management system, the primary concern of the government is aviation safety. The new system can enhance the Civil Aviation Department’s capability in air traffic management and handle the projected air traffic increase to be brought by the development of the Three-Runway System of the Hong Kong International Airport in future.”
Photo courtesy of Civil Aviation Department
