The Transport and Housing Bureau (THB) has been closely following up on the financial problems of Hong Kong Airlines Limited (HKA) over a long period of time. The THB, together with the Civil Aviation Department (CAD), summoned the management team of HKA again to a meeting on November 27, 2019, at which HKA reported on the latest financial position of the airline for assessment by the THB and the CAD. At the meeting, the THB expressed grave dissatisfaction and deep concern that HKA's financial situation had not significantly improved and urged the management team to resolve the financial problems pragmatically as a matter of urgency.

     In fact, over a period of time the THB has been gradually scaling down HKA's operation in the hope that HKA's situation would be under better control. The THB has also reminded HKA to make timely notification to affected passengers of the flight consolidations and to make appropriate arrangements for them in accordance with the terms and conditions of air tickets concerned.  

     The THB noted that the Air Transport Licensing Authority (ATLA) decided on December 2, 2019, to attach two new conditions to HKA's licence with effect from today (December 2). According to the new licence conditions attached by ATLA, HKA must, by a deadline, ensure cash injection at a level determined by ATLA (or provide an alternative to the satisfaction of ATLA), and raise and maintain its cash and cash equivalent level as stipulated by ATLA. If HKA fails to improve its financial situation as required by ATLA by the deadline, ATLA will take further actions under Regulation 15E of the Air Transport (Licensing of Air Services) Regulations (Cap. 448 Subsidiary Legislation A), which provides for revocation or suspension of licence.
 
     The THB concurs with ATLA's decision and considers that HKA must face up to its problems seriously and use its best endeavours to meet ATLA's requirements by the deadline in order to prevent its situation from further deteriorating and to protect public interests. The THB has also reminded HKA that before any further decision of ATLA is made, it must continue to provide services to its passengers in accordance with the terms and conditions of air tickets concerned.
 
     HKA is responsible for getting prepared for different operational circumstances, including unanticipated ones. The THB has reminded HKA of its obligations to provide services to passengers in accordance with the terms and conditions of air tickets and/or make other appropriate arrangements for them where necessary. As an employer, HKA should also take care of its employees' interests in accordance with the applicable laws.

The following is issued on behalf of the Air Transport Licensing Authority (ATLA):

     In the light of the ongoing financial problems of Hong Kong Airlines Limited (HKA), ATLA has been closely monitoring the financial situation of the airline over a long period of time in accordance with Regulation 15D(1) of the Air Transport (Licensing of Air Services) Regulations (Cap. 448 Subsidiary Legislation A), and has repeatedly asked HKA to submit financial improvement plans. Since December 2018, ATLA has issued six press releases to inform the public of the financial problems of HKA and the follow-up work of ATLA.
 
     ATLA met the senior management members of HKA again on November 29, 2019, and heard the representation and explanations made by them about the latest financial position of HKA. Having considered the latest financial position of HKA, ATLA was of the view that HKA's financial position has deteriorated rapidly to such an extent that has severely impacted on HKA's capability in meeting its obligations as an employer to pay salary and the probability of providing a satisfactory service under its licence in respect of continuity and regularity of operation. ATLA found the situation extremely worrying. After careful deliberation, ATLA decided today (December 2) to attach new conditions to HKA's licence as per Regulation 15E (2)(b) of the Regulations that HKA should enhance its financial situation to such a level as already required by ATLA over a period of time. 
 
     A spokesman for ATLA said, "After careful consideration of the financial position of HKA at present, ATLA must take immediate and resolute action to prevent further deterioration of HKA's situation in order to protect public interests. In accordance with the two new licence conditions attached by ATLA, HKA must, by a deadline set, ensure cash injection at a level determined by ATLA (or provide an alternative to the satisfaction of ATLA), and raise and maintain its cash and cash equivalent level as stipulated by ATLA." 
 
     If HKA fails to improve its financial situation as required by ATLA by the deadline, ATLA will take further action under Regulation 15E of the Regulations, which provides for revocation or suspension of licence. ATLA would announce its decision by December 7, 2019.

     A man who went missing in Kwai Chung was located.

     Chan Yau-cheung, aged 56, went missing after he left a hostel on Wo Yi Hop Road on November 29 afternoon. Staff of the hostel made a report to Police on the same day.

     Police located the man in a hospital in Cheung Sha Wan in the small hours of yesterday (December 1). No suspicious circumstances were detected.

     The Occupational Safety and Health Training Centre of the Labour Department (LD) will launch a wide range of occupational safety and health training courses in the first half of 2020. The courses aim at enhancing the working population's understanding of the legal requirements and standards stipulated in occupational safety regulations, and their awareness of occupational health.
 
        The training courses cover a wide range of topics, including:

1. Major Safety Regulations related to Industrial Accident Prevention
2. Major Health Regulations related to Industrial Accident Prevention
3. Safety Management Regulation cum Safety Inspection Programme and Accident/Incident Investigation
4. Safety Regulations related to Risk Assessment
5. Major Safety Regulations related to Accident Prevention in Office Work
6. Safety Regulations on Working in times of Inclement Weather and Hot Environment
7. A Brief Introduction to Safety Regulations related to Working on Construction Sites cum a Brief Introduction to Codes of Practice related to Working on Construction Sites 
8. Safety Regulations on Working at Height and a Brief Introduction to Safety Regulations related to Electrical Work on Construction Sites cum Codes of Practice on Scaffolds
9. Lifting Appliances and Lifting Gear Regulations cum Codes of Practice for Safe Use of Cranes
10. Major Safety Regulations related to Renovation, Maintenance, Alteration and Addition Works
11. Major Safety Regulations related to Working in the Catering Trade
12. Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance and Regulation
13. Safety Regulations on Manual Handling Operations
14. Dangerous Substances Regulations
15. Health Hints on the Use of Computer cum More Exercise Smart Work
16. Occupational Stress Workshop
17. First Aid in the Workplace (Including demonstration and practice of bandaging)
18. Strategies for the Prevention of Occupational Diseases cum Work and Healthy Lifestyle

 
     The courses will mainly be conducted in Cantonese at the LD's Occupational Safety and Health Training Centre, 13/F, KOLOUR‧Tsuen Wan I, 68 Chung On Street, Tsuen Wan. Enrolment is free.
      
     Application forms are available at the training centre or offices of the Occupational Safety and Health Branch of the LD. They can also be downloaded from the department’s website (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/osh/form.htm). For enquiry, please call 2940 7057.

     Hongkong Post announced today (December 2) that the latest posting date of Christmas mail for local delivery before Christmas Day is December 20 (Friday). Mail posted after this date might run the risk of not being delivered in time because of anticipated seasonal work pressure. Members of the public are advised to post mail as early as possible in order to avoid a last-minute rush.

     During the Christmas holidays (December 25 and 26), there will be no mail delivery. All post offices will be closed except for the General Post Office and the Airport Post Office. The business hours of the two offices will be from noon to 5pm and 8am to 5pm respectively. General postal services will be provided. Details of services available will be advertised at the respective post offices. One mail collection will be made for the posting boxes of the General Post Office and the Airport Post Office.  

     To ensure that greetings sent by air mail are delivered before Christmas, members of the public are reminded to post their mail on or before the latest dates of posting. A complete list of the latest dates of posting for this year's Christmas mail by air is displayed at all post offices. Customers may also find the information on Hongkong Post's website at www.hongkongpost.hk or contact the Hongkong Post enquiry hotline at 2921 2222.