The Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre (HKBAC) comes to ABACE 2017 having been voted “Best FBO” in AsBAA’s Icons of Aviation Awards last November, while general manager Madonna Fung was voted “Woman of the Year” in the Asian industry.
HKBAC has now been in operation for 19 years, having been the first industry standard FBO in Asia. “HKBAC has always been committed to providing our clients with ‘Safety, Service and Style,’” said Minnie Kan, senior business development manager. “Strongly abiding by these principles allows HKBAC to bring our clients consistent service of unparalleled standard,” she added.
HKBAC says that “despite an increasingly competitive environment” it has “implemented new initiatives to upgrade our services.” This includes:
(1) Infrastructure Improvements:
- The aircraft parking capacity at HKBAC has increased by implementating the 3M Optimized Apron Parking Plan, completing the Northern Apron Extension within HKBAC designated ramp and expanding HKIA at the midfield point.
- In addition to the existing refueling trucks, a dedicated undergrounded piping system is now in service, allowing the fueling process to be more efficient, as the fuel can be pumped directly into the aircraft from on-ramp the dispensers, saving the time previously taken in filling the trucks and moving them to the parking ramp.
- HKBAC’s executive terminal, apron and the three hangar complexes, pilot lounge and other resting facilities are also being upgraded as recommended by customer surveys and feedback.
(2) Service Improvements:
- Efficiency has been increased in towing aircraft from remote bays and preparation for departure, through the introduction of HKBAC’s own backup cross runway towing service. A brand-new tug was added and a team of experienced staff to provide service when the three existing line maintenance operators are otherwise occupied.
- The Mobile Operating System (MOS) offers a one-stop solution, allowing operators to complete flight bookings, make changes and record additional orders on a single platform. Once the service request is carried out by HKBAC’s operations team, a real-time completion status will be sent to clients.
Slot & Parking Improvements at HKIA
- With new parking stands at HKIA, business jet users have had a zero rejection rate since December 2016. Recognizing the dynamic business schedule changes executives require, the airport authority fully supports granting extension of parking commitments.
- As Hong Kong International Airport is an international and regional aviation hub, landing slot availability has always been tight. In this respect, HKBAC is committed to enhancing take-off and landing arrangements for business aviation. Currently, Hong Kong CAD, AA, HKBAC and all business aviation operators are working closely for runway slot application and utilization. There are 20-to-25 slots available daily between the hours of 23:00 and 13:59+1 UTC, while five exclusive runway slots for GA/BA (in compliance with the Relatively Quieter Aircraft Type list of HKCAD, Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department) during 14:00-22:59 UTC.
- Clients are able to submit applications for runway and parking slot(s) 14 days before the scheduled flight. Within 24 hours after obtaining the tentatively approved runway slots, clients may request ground handling services and parking slots.