Arrival of mainland China’s home-grown jets in Hong Kong boost to city’s aviation industry, John Lee says
- Planes manufactured by Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, but Hong Kong played role in making them ready for flight, leader says
- Lee adds that international conference Hong Kong hosting this week will also boost city’s status as aviation hub
Hong Kong has welcomed two passenger jets made in mainland China, marking what city leader John Lee Ka-chiu called a milestone in the country’s aerospace manufacturing and a demonstration of Beijing’s support for the local aviation industry.
Lee also pointed to an international conference the city would host later this week as yet another boost to its status as an aviation hub.
Officials attended a welcoming ceremony for the C919 and ARJ21 planes on Wednesday after they touched down from Shanghai the day before. The planes were manufactured by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac), but Hong Kong played a role in making them ready for flight, according to Lee.
“Hong Kong has also participated in the certification and evaluation work of both aircraft, including aircraft certification and pilot training, contributing to the country’s aviation industry,” he said.
“The C919 flight from Shanghai to Hong Kong had one pilot who was sent from the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department to participate in the evaluation work. This pilot is also one of the first batch of pilots for the C919, which fills us with pride.”
