Airport Authority signs agreement for sub-lease for Hong Kong Airlines flight training centre

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) today signed an agreement for sub-lease for Hong Kong Airlines Aviation Training Centre Limited to build a flight training centre at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). Upon completion, the Hong Kong Airlines training centre will be the third facility of its kind on the airport island.

Mr Fred Lam, Chief Executive Officer of the AA, and Mr Zhang Kui, President of Hong Kong Airlines, both attended the signing ceremony.

Mr Lam said, “Along with reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a leading international and regional aviation centre, it has always been the AA’s policy to support the development of home-based carriers. Flight training centres are crucial facilities for home-based carriers, as airline pilots have to be frequently trained and re-trained for different aircraft models. Airlines that are equipped with such facilities can enjoy more flexible, efficient operations and ensure the utmost in safety for their passengers.”

Mr Zhang said, “We are delighted to sign the agreement for sub-lease to build a flight training centre. The facility marks a significant milestone in the history of the carrier. As a Hong Kong-based airline, Hong Kong Airlines takes responsibilities for promoting the development of local aviation industry. Equipped with a flight training centre, Hong Kong Airlines is committed to nurturing aviation talents. We believe the facility helps motivate and inspire young people of Hong Kong to develop their careers in aviation.”

The facility will be developed on a plot of land of about 0.6-hectare located at Kwo Lo Wan Road, at the southeast edge of the airport island. Hong Kong Airlines plans to construct two connected building blocks with a combined gross floor area of approximately 22,900 square metres: an administration block as well as a simulator block that will house 12 double-floor-height simulator halls to accommodate the airline’s planned aircraft types. The facility will also have a large safety training hall capable of housing one full-size mock aircraft cabin, classrooms and training rooms. Construction is expected to begin in 2015, with a target completion date of end-2017. The flight training centre will be a long term development for the airline to meet its future expansion plans.

Similar to past practices, the application of flight training centre was done through direct negotiation with Hong Kong Airlines, and the sub-lease term will last until 2047. The first two training centres on the airport island were established through direct negotiations with Cathay Pacific in 1997 and Dragonair in 2001.