The Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) said it is “making some headway” on improving business aviation access at Hong Kong International Airport. Behind the scenes, the association has set up a series of working groups with the authorities to ensure the voice of the industry is heard and that collaborative approaches to solutions are sought.
These talks led to an “industry win” this week, with an agreement to add certain line maintenance tasks for MROs in Hong Kong. AsBAA said it has been able to secure approval for several remote-stand maintenance items and is setting up a new working group to obtain further approvals and improvements.
Approvals granted so far include cleaning and bright work polishing carried out on aircraft parked at remote stands; preflight/postflight, pitot/static tests; external lamp replacement; minor service panel/door replacement; antenna replacement; emergency exit replacement; exterior cleaning (wipe down and dry wash only); bright work on leading edges and engines; APU operation; engine adjustment with cowls open; maintenance inspection or functional checks that can be performed without jacking, shoring and large-panel removal other than quick access panels; and any internal tasks.
“Although we’re clearly still in a situation of crisis in Hong Kong business aviation in many respects, it’s enormously encouraging to see that AsBAA has a seat at the table when key decisions about use of resources are being made,” said AsBAA board of governor Denzil White. “We are able to speak on behalf our industry, and also highlight its economic and job creation benefits and drive our agenda for the greater good.”