(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-11-23 14:55

HONG KONG-- Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) Friday successfully completed its emergency exercise for this year.

The annual exercise, which involved around 1,000 representatives from about 30 organizations and government departments, is an aerodrome licensing requirement mandated by the Civil Aviation Department of Hong Kong.

This is the first full-scale simulation since the airport's operation and control functions were merged into the Integrated Airport Center earlier this year.

Code named Desoto II, the drill started at 4:00 a.m. Friday with the simulated landing of flight XX1234 at HKIA. After the B737-800 parked at a remote stand, one of its engines caught fire and the captain immediately evacuated the aircraft's 155 passengers and crew.

Fire and rescue services rushed to the scene, with the first emergency personnel arriving at 4:04 a.m. Among those on board, all seven crew members were not injured, and the 107 simulated casualties were sent to five hospitals, while 31 uninjured passengers were escorted to the Family Reception Center.

A simulated press conference was held, with 30 university students posing as journalists. The exercise stood down at noon.

"Emergency preparedness is among HKIA's highest priorities," Airport Management Director Howard Eng said, "this year's exercise demonstrates that by uniting the Airport Authority's operation and control functions into the Integrated Airport Center, we can detect and respond to emergencies more rapidly, efficiently and effectively."

HKIA stages about 30 drills each year. Different airlines serve as the operating carrier in the annual exercise, which is designed to enhance communication and coordination among the organizations and government agencies that are involved in the airport's operation.

This year's participants included Hong Kong Auxiliary Medical Service, Civil Aid Services, Civil Aviation Department, Customs and some other units.