Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited ("HAECO", Stock Code: 00044) supports the option of building a third runway at Hong Kong International Airport ("HKIA"), outlined in the HKIA Master Plan 2030, as a key to sustaining the long term economic growth of Hong Kong.

Mr. Augustus Tang, Chief Executive Officer of HAECO, said, "Building a third runway is the key to expanding the airport's capacity, and enables HKIA to fully leverage on its geographical advantage, excellent connectivity as well as superior services offered by airlines and operators. It is an important initiative that caters to the long term, unconstrained growth of the airport, thereby upholding Hong Kong's position as the leading aviation hub."

Building on the strong foundations of its home at HKIA, HAECO has been providing reliable and efficient aircraft maintenance services to airlines around the world, forming an essential part of HKIA's services. HKIA's long term growth will provide stimulus for HAECO's continued development, establishing Hong Kong as a centre of excellence for aeronautical engineering.

Mr. Tang said, "The aviation industry provides excellent job opportunities locally. HAECO alone employs close to 5,000 staff in Hong Kong, many of them are recruited through our Aircraft Maintenance Training Programme, which is a unique training programme providing a large pool of highly skilled human capital for Hong Kong. We are planning to recruit 1,000 more people this year to meet the rising demand for quality aircraft engineering services in the region."

"HAECO welcomes the Airport Authority's approach in engaging the Hong Kong community in public consultation on the Master Plan. We hope that a consensus about building the third runway can be reached very soon," Mr. Tang added.

About Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited ("HAECO")
HAECO is one of the world's leading aeronautical engineering groups providing a comprehensive range of services encompassing Airframe Maintenance, Cabin Reconfiguration, Freighter Conversion, Line Maintenance, Fleet Technical Management, Inventory Technical Management, Component Overhaul, Engine Overhaul and Technical Training. The HAECO Group consists of 19 subsidiaries and affiliates, employing over 13,000 staff in Hong Kong, Mainland China, Singapore and Bahrain. HAECO is publicly listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (Stock Code: 00044). HAECO's website www.haeco.com.