The Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) on Friday staged the largest annual aircraft crash exercise since its opening.

Over 1,200 participants from the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA), airlines, government departments and related organizations joined the exercise, according to AA.

Named Crash Exercise 2005, the full-scale emergency exercise aimed to ensure that the people working at the airport are not only well versed in the procedures but also have the skills and expertise in effectively managing crises, said AA.

Howard Eng, airport management director of AA, said, "All participating parties have gained valuable experience, particularly in managing mass casualty and evacuation. We will take lessons learnt to further improve and enhance the preparedness and response of all parties concerned. As we are expecting the A380's entry into service next year, this year's exercise further sharpens the readiness of the airport community to receive the biggest airliner ever."

Eng added that HKIA runs over 30 small and large-scale crisis simulation drills every year, covering a wide range of possible emergency situations such as terminal building evacuations and infectious disease scenarios.

AA was responsible for the coordination of the exercise while Cathay Pacific was the operating airline of this year's exercise. Cathay also managed the Family Reception Center along with other responding parties like the Auxiliary Medical Service, Airport Chaplaincy and the HK Red Cross. Business partners and franchisees also participated or sent observers.

(Xinhua News Agency November 4, 2005)