Message from Dr. Angus Cheung, President of the HKAIA

I am really pleased and honoured to be re-elected as the President of Hong Kong Aviation Industry Association (HKAIA) even though it was in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since its inception in 2006, HKAIA has been actively engaged in promoting the development and enhancement of the competitiveness of Hong Kong’s Aviation Industry.

 

According to Aviation Benefits Report 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, the air transport industry supports a total of 65.5 million jobs globally. It provides 10.2 million direct jobs, and airlines, air navigation service providers and airport directly employ around 3.5 million people.

 

The Aviation Industry of Hong Kong also contributed to the success of Hong Kong’s four pillar industries – financial services, trading and logistics, tourism, and producer and professional services as all these industries rely heavily upon the fast and efficient flow of people and goods through the city to other destinations in the world. Hong Kong International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, with around 120 airlines providing direct services to around 150 destinations worldwide.

 

The COVID-19 virus has spread around the world without acknowledging borders. It has impacted all industries, all sectors, and all aspects of our lives. Aviation is one of the industries which has been significantly impacted by the pandemic. We have encountered unprecedented difficulties and different kind of measures were being implemented by the industry players to weather the challenges brought by COVID-19.

 

I am sure that the pent-up demand for air travel will be released once the COVID-19 restrictions are eased. As an industry which is renown for its agility and resilience to challenges, we must work closely together to prepare for the resumption and recovery of air traffic. This is in line with the macro strategies of the Central Government’s 14th Five-Year Plan and Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong – Hong Kong – Macao Greater Bay Area. In addition, HKSAR Government has committed that it will maintain and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub and consolidating Hong Kong’s position as a regional aviation training centre.

 

HKAIA will continue to serve as the link between the industry and the government as well as our overseas counterparts to support the future development of our industry and to promote collaborations between our members and other overseas business partners.

 

Ir. Dr. Angus Cheung
President
November 2021