Mable Chan engages Turkish officials for support in cargo plane incident investigation

Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan on Wednesday (Oct 22) met with Turkish authorities to express her deep concern regarding the cargo plane that skidded into the sea at Hong Kong International Airport. Seeking assistance from Turkish authorities, Chan emphasized the need for coordination with the crew and airline involved in the investigation. 

Turkey pledged its full support and cooperation over the investigation. The crew members, who have been staying in Hong Kong since the accident, are committed to assisting with the investigation. 

Additionally, experts from the Turkish civil aviation authority are set to arrive in Hong Kong in the coming days to provide further assistance.

In addition, Turkey expressed its willingness to arrange meetings between airline representatives and the families of the victims.

Chan highlighted the government's deep concern for the families of the two deceased employees and affirmed that both the Airport Authority and the Aviation Security Company will maintain communication with them to provide necessary emergency support.

The Air Accident Investigation Authority is launching a thorough investigation into the incident. That includes crew qualifications, flight operations, aircraft systems, maintenance records, and weather conditions at the time of the incident. 

Foreign experts, including representatives from the aircraft manufacturer's country, have begun arriving in Hong Kong, and salvage operations are expected to commence shortly, Chan added.