Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) Conducts Aircraft Crash and Rescue Exercise on Third Runway

(25 May 2022, 10:26 +07)  Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) conducted an aircraft crash and rescue exercise on Tuesday, in preparation for the commissioning of the third runway later this year.

Conducted in accordance with aerodrome licensing requirements, the exercise provided Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) and the airport community with the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the emergency procedures and test its readiness in responding to contingencies on the new runway.

Over 350 representatives from some 20 organisations and government departments took part in the exercise, with HK Express as the participating airline. Volunteers role-played as passengers and families of affected passengers.

Aircraft crash and rescue exercise at HKIA

A simulated arrival flight carrying 30 people on-board overbanked to compensate for gusting winds during landing and sustained damage. According to the exercise scenario, the starboard engine of the A320neo aircraft stroke the tarmac of the third runway and caught fire.

Airport North Fire Station personnel immediately set off the crash alarm while AAHK activated the Airport Emergency Centre. Emergency services, including fire services and police, arrived at the scene to effect fire fighting and rescue, render medical care, casualty conveyance and other support. A total of 18 fire appliances and 16 ambulances were deployed to the scene.

The exercise also simulated the handling of fatalities and rescue of injured passengers and crew members. The injured persons were conveyed to two hospitals while uninjured passengers were transferred to the Passenger Reception Centre. After immigration and customs clearance, the passengers were received at the Family Reception Centre at the airport.

A simulated press conference was conducted, jointly attended by representatives of AAHK, Air Accident Investigation Authority, Fire Services Department, HK Express and Hong Kong Police Force to provide updates on the incident and rescue operations.

Vivian Cheung, Executive Director, Airport Operations of AAHK, said, “At HKIA, safety is always top priority. As the Third Runway will commence operation this year, this aircraft crash and rescue exercise provided a valuable opportunity for the airport community to test its readiness in responding to contingencies on the new runway. With the successful completion of the exercise, we crossed another milestone in preparing for the commissioning of the Third Runway this year.”

HKIA Conducts Aircraft Crash and Rescue Exercise on Third Runway