Local students learn aviation know-how through online programme
More than 200 young students were offered a valuable opportunity to learn about aviation during their summer break. The two-day programme was organised by the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy (HKIAA), the first civil aviation academy in Hong Kong established by the Hong Kong Airport Authority, and supported by Hong Kong Airlines this year. Two sessions were held on 10 and 11 August as well as 19 and 20 August respectively.
Unlike previous camps, the 2020 Summer Camp took flight virtually due to restrictions on large gatherings and social distancing measures resulting from COVID-19. To help make learning more interesting and engaging, students were taken on a virtual tour at the airport where they learned about Hong Kong Airlines’ ramp operations as well as “visited” HKA Training Academy (HKATA) to see the airlines’ state-of-the-art training facility.
Hong Kong Airlines Ramp Operations Manager Alfred Cheung who hosted the ramp tour explained his role at the airport and emphasised the importance of meeting safety, service and quality standards in ground handling work.
“Safety always comes first at Hong Kong Airlines and everyone needs to pay attention to details. From ramp to cabin, every step is essential. We need to make sure that all equipment are checked and secured before passengers board the aircraft,” Alfred added.
For the HKATA tour, students were led by Manager of Regulatory & Safety and Emergency Training Elya Ho and were shown training facilities including the cabin mock-up, the Combined Cabin Emergency Evacuation Trainer (CEET) and the Cabin Door Opening Trainer. The highlight of the tour was a safety demonstration in the Fire Chamber, where a trainer demonstrated how a fire on a seat is extinguished.
As always, nothing excites the young participants more than a tour of the CAE 7000XR Series full-motion flight simulator, where Hong Kong Airlines pilots are trained. While they could not be physically present, Captain Kenneth Leong offered a demonstration, allowing the students to experience the take-off and landing of a flight at home.
The Summer Camp programme wrapped up with a live chat between the participants and Hong Kong Airlines cabin crew. Senior Flight Purser Mona Ng and Flight Attendant Owen Lau not only talked to the students about their duties and training but also shared memorable experiences from their work.
“Being passionate is important. We are committed to delivering the best service to our customers, to let them enjoy every moment when flying with Hong Kong Airlines,” says Mona.
To learn more about HKIAA programmes, click here.