Non-profit Asian business and general aviation representative body AsBAA has managed to secure additional slots at Hong Kong International airport (HKIA). The Hong Kong Airport Authority has increased the number of slots available between 1600-2059 UTC daily from four to six, which will be welcome news to campaigners who have been lobbying for an improvement since 2016. The full night period, 1400-2259 UTC, now has nine dedicated slots for business and general aviation. In addition, the trial period, which was originally scheduled to end on 7 October 2018, has now been extended until 31 March 2019.

AsBAA's Hong Kong Chapter lead and vice chairman Phil Balmer says: “We have continually pushed the message of securing the industry's fair share of slots at HKIA. Business and general aviation creates jobs, boosts the local economy and brings prosperity to Hong Kong. When the industry is permitted to thrive, everyone benefits. We are ecstatic and proud that the association's continuous lobbying efforts have assisted in the increase of slots available to our members."

AsBAA first formed a slot co-ordination quarterly meeting with the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department and Hong Kong Airport Authority in 2016. With advocacy as one of the association's three key pillars, its mission is to represent its members and industry stakeholders with one voice to engage the regulators and airport authorities.

Hongkong Jet CCO Mike Walsh was on the AsBAA board that pushed the motion through, and he was delighted at the way the regional industry came together to secure the night slots at Hong Kong: "It is crucially important that the industry comes together through a trade association to educate and advocate our industry to regional governments at this crucial time. Airport access and constraints continue to grow, whilst opportunities for having new business aviation infrastructure included in new airport or upgrade plans of airports are being driven by AsBAA at this time to support its members."

At the AsBAA Regional Chapter meetings which take place regularly in multiple locations, members can share feedback and obtain support for localised issues. Each meeting is free of charge to attend.

Balmer continues: “We are a team of volunteers. However, with the support of the industry, we have evidenced the steps forward that can be taken when working together. We raise issues with regional authorities and we work collectively towards positive solutions for the entire aviation industry. Today's announcement is evidence of the result of such collaborative work, and we thank our members for their support.”