Airline regime review ongoing

Here's what airline operators must do.

In a report, the Transport & Housing Bureau said today the regime for designation of local air carriers is under review, and no application from new airlines can be processed before the review is complete.

In response to a report regarding Jetstar Hong Kong's intention to meet requirements for operating air services from Hong Kong, the bureau said hopeful operators must obtain the Air Operator's Certificate, Licence to Operate Scheduled Services Under the Air Transport (Licensing of Air Services) Regulations and the necessary designation.

Such an airline must be incorporated in Hong Kong and have its principal place of business in Hong Kong, as stipulated in the Basic Law.

When the Government considers an airline's application, these requirements and the airline's shareholding structure will be taken into account, but are not the only determining factors.

In the meantime, the bureau said, it is an airline's own commercial decision and responsibility to invest, make arrangements, and bear any commercial and legal risks involved.

The Government will not provide any recommendations to an investor who is interested in setting up an airline in Hong Kong.