A new heliport at the southern tip of the West Kowloon Reclamation - the West Kowloon Heliport - is now available for domestic helicopter services.

To foster the continuous development of commercial helicopter services after the closure of the Central Heliport, the Civil Aviation Department said the Government has made available this site for development into a temporary domestic heliport.

Efforts to identify suitable sites for the development of a permanent domestic heliport continue, it added.

Helicopters Hong Kong Limited was awarded development and management rights of the heliport through an open tender exercise earlier in the year. The heliport is initially available up to the end of 2005.

It has one landing/take-off pad and three parking pads,  occupying about 7,910 square metres.

It can accommodate single and twin-engine helicopters up to a maximum take-off weight of 5,500 kilograms and an overall length/width of 16 metres.

Domestic helicopter services in Hong Kong are mainly provided by two commercial helicopter operators,  Helicopters Hong Kong Limited and Heliservices (Hong Kong) Limited.

Heliservices development will boost tourism

In 2002-03, the Central Heliport recorded 7,264 domestic commercial helicopter movements, carrying 20,818 passengers.

The Civil Aviation Department said it has been the Government's longstanding policy to foster the development of commercial helicopter services.

They would enhance Hong Kong's role as a regional and international aviation centre, it said, adding that it will also help in promoting Hong Kong as a tourist destination, enriching visitors' travel experience and enhancing Hong Kong's attractiveness.