Aircraft disassembly would create significant upstream and downstream benefits, including trade, education, and talent training opportunities, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said after he introduced plans to bring such a company to Hong Kong.
Speaking during a Legislative Council question-and-answer session following his policy address, Lee remarked that Hong Kong has rarely “performed surgery” on its industrial structure in recent years.
The city’s leader emphasized that while robust sectors should continue to grow, less competitive industries still require steady support, highlighting that high-end and competitive industries are essential for job creation and typically provide higher wages.
“For example, the Policy Address mentioned introducing an aircraft disassembly company. Hong Kong did not have this type of company before. Even if there were, it was only about purchasing parts from others to install into aircraft,” Lee said.
He added that the overall industrial development would expand considerably — “meaning one can multiply by three or four.”
“It is not just a simple company. This is what I refer to as a high-quality industry.”
In his latest address on Wednesday, Lee revealed that the government had reached an agreement of intent with a major European aeronautics services firm to establish operations in Hong Kong. The company will offer aircraft disassembly, recycling, and trading services for high-value components.
Lee reiterated that the address aims to drive high-quality industries that create higher-income jobs through a range of measures across various sectors, not just a single initiative.
“The Hong Kong Investment Corporation, established after I took office, is not pursuing a high rate of return, but rather aims to support the industries we need to promote and create more job opportunities,” he said.
Citing the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises as an example, Lee said it has so far attracted 84 companies, each bringing an average investment of around HK$500 to HK$600 million, totaling HK$50 billion.
These high-quality firms, he added, are expected to provide more employment opportunities, particularly high-income roles.
