Victor Dawes appointed to lead Air Transport Licensing Authority

The government has named Victor Dawes, a seasoned senior counsel, as the new chairman of the Air Transport Licensing Authority, with his term kicking off on September 11 and running through July 31, 2027.

Announced on Friday and formalized in the Government Gazette, Dawes’s appointment signals confidence in his ability to lead the independent statutory body tasked with reviewing airline applications for scheduled services to and from Hong Kong. 

The authority, established under the Air Transport (Licensing of Air Services) Regulations, plays a pivotal role in shaping the city’s air connectivity, a cornerstone of its status as a global hub. 

Dawes will guide a team of eight non-official members, each bringing expertise from diverse sectors, to ensure robust decision-making that supports the aviation industry’s development.

Transport and Logistics Secretary Mable Chan expressed optimism about Dawes’s leadership, highlighting the collective strength of the authority’s members in fostering air service expansion. 

The government also extended gratitude to the outgoing chairman, Eugene Fung, who stepped down on September 11 after over five years of impactful service, credited with steering the authority through a challenging period for global aviation.

The Air Transport Licensing Authority’s work involves scrutinizing license applications to ensure compliance with regulations and balancing operational needs with public interest to maintain Hong Kong’s competitive edge in international air travel.