Story ID: 
Hong Kong Extends Extra Bizav Slot Trial
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: Originally set to end in October, the program which added two additional slots daily, will now run through March.
Word Count: 227
The Hong Kong International Airport Authority has extended the trial period for an increase in the number of general aviation and business aviation slots available at the congested airport between 1600 and 2059 UTC. Originally slated to end on October 7, the trial, which increased the total slots from four to six for general aviation flights, has been extended to March 31, 2019.

For the full night period, from 1400 through 2259 UTC, the total of available slots remains nine for all aircraft types not currently exempted from the Noise Quota Count Pilot Scheme. The Hong Kong Schedule Coordination Office also noted that to maximize the utilization of last-minute canceled commercial service slots outside of the night period, slot requests by general and business aviation operations might be considered depending on availability.

“We have continually pushed the message of securing the industry’s 'fair share' of slots at HKIA,” said Phil Balmer, AsBAA vice chairman and Hong Kong chapter head, adding that general and business aviation creates jobs and boosts the local economy. “When the industry is permitted to thrive, everyone benefits. We are ecstatic and proud that the association’s continuous lobbying efforts have assisted in the increase of slots available to our members at HKIA.”

AsBAA first formed a slot coordination quarterly meeting with Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department and the airport authority in 2016.