(1st from the left) Captain Michael LAU, Professor of Practice, Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering of PolyU; Prof. Xiaowen FU, Head of Department & Professor, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering of PolyU; Prof. H.C. MAN, Dean of Faculty of Engineering of PolyU; Dr Allen WANG, Assistant Professor, Department of Industrial & Sytems Engineering of PolyU; Dr T.L.YIP, Associate Professor, Department of Logistics & Maritime Studies of PolyU; Ms Patty YEUNG, Executive Officer, Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology of PolyU; (1st from the right) Dr Sarah WAN, Associate Professor, Department of Logistics & Maritime Studies of PolyU; Mr Liam LIANG, Assistant Research Officer of the One Country Two Systems Research Institute; Dr Joe FANG, Research Director of the One Country Two Systems Research Institute; Ms Jes LAM, Senior Research Officer of the One Country Two Systems Research Institute; Prof. Achim CZERNY, Professor, Department of Logistics & Maritime Studies of PolyU
The Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) and Scholars from Aviation, Engineering, Industrial & Systems Engineering, Logistics & Maritime Studies and transport policy of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University were invited by the One Country Two Systems Research Institute to contribute constructive strategies in fostering Hong Kong’s status as an International Aviation Hub, outlined in the National 14th Five-Year Plan and the latest 2023 Policy Address.
Discussion included open skies policy, collaboration between Hong Kong and other GBA cities on aviation technology, related research and talent training. It was mentioned that a report benchmarking Hong Kong’s airspace capacity with Singapore and Dubai would be helpful in the open skies policy study, and it is crucial to persuade airline companies that opening airspace brings long-term benefits to the city, although airlines may face a short-term decline in market share.
To enhance Hong Kong’s status as an International Aviation Hub, PolyU Scholars advised that Hong Kong has advantages in developing aircraft maintenance, aviation financing and insurance industry and training aviation professionals, thanks to the city’s renowned international law standards and geographical location. A high-speed railway connecting Hong Kong airports and neighbouring cities with improved integrated ticketing systems was suggested to drive higher passenger traffic to Hong Kong. However, funding for aviation-related research is insufficient from the HKSAR Government and it is hoped that the HKSAR Government would set up a new body responsible for aviation research funding.
The recommendations will be incorporated into a research report compiled by the One Country Two Systems Research Institute to be submitted to the HKSAR Government next year.
