(11th May 2007, Hong Kong:) To fully prepare itself for the upcoming typhoon season, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) has conducted a comprehensive typhoon drill on 8 May.  The drill was aimed at testing the effectiveness of the contingency measures in place for typhoon and of the newly formed Hactl Cargo Contingency Response Center (CRC) that monitors the operational activities and service recovery during emergency.

The drill was set against the background of airport closure and flight diversions during a typhoon, and an upsurge of flight landings and rescheduling when the typhoon was over and airport operations resumed normal.  A sudden in-take of a large volume of off-scheduled import cargo was simulated to test Hactl’s capacity in efficient resources management and equipment deployment.  The drill has enhanced Hactl’s readiness to support rescheduled export flight movements and cargo uplift during the typhoon aftermath , thus minimising flight delays and cargo offloads. 

On the same day, a simulation of Hactl’s CRC was conducted. T he CRC was activated with the participation of airline customers and associated business partners. Communication links with the Airport Emergency Center, Apron Control Center, Airport Authority Hong Kong, security and government agencies at Hong Kong International Airport under a critical scenario were tested for business continuity.   

Mr. Kenneth Bell, Director, Service Delivery of Hactl said, “We are very pleased to see that the entire typhoon drill run very smoothly.  It has provided an invaluable experience for our staff to familiarise with the revamped typhoon procedures. We are also grateful for the participation of our business partners. Through these drills, we can ensure our contingency and recovery capabilities will minimise service interruptions and impact to the air cargo community.”