Experts Highlighted Training Role in AviationAviation experts of Hong Kong stressed the need to strengthen aircrew's training when they briefed the press Thursday on the Hong Kong Aviation Conference 2000 held on September 19-20."The expansion of aviation industry demands steady supply of well trained professionals in various important fields, including aircraft maintenance, air traffic control, airport management, aviation laws and regulatory control," said Fung Kee-ying, professor of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University's Department of Mechanical Engineering. Fung's views were shared by Hogan Loh, chairman of Far East Flying and Technical School Ltd and Ted Pryor, founding member and immediate past chairman of the Hong Kong Historical Aircraft Association. The conference, organized by the university, focused on new career opportunities for Hong Kong and attracted around 80 representatives from the aviation industry, government departments and educational institutions. The conference delegates endorsed the setting up of a tripartite Aviation Development Council by the end of 2000, said Fung. Taking urgent steps to expand training and recruitment programs to guarantee the safety of air services to the highest possible standards call for the adoption of proactive policies and institutional initiatives with close cross-sectoral cooperation between the aviation industry, government agencies and academic bodies, said Fung. Globally, the International Airport of Hong Kong ranks first in international cargo throughput, and fifth in international passenger throughput. The facility handled 32 million passengers and 2.2 million tons of cargo in the past 12 months with a diversified carrier base of 65 airlines serving 130 destinations. |
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