Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) confirmed that salvage crews have raised the main fuselage of the AirACT Boeing 747-400 BDSF that overran Runway 07L on 20 October, killing two ground staff when their patrol vehicle was knocked into the sea. The tail section and flight recorders were recovered on 24 October; the remaining structure was lifted on 26 October and transported on 27 October to a secure compound for Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) inspection.
AAHK reiterated that all three runways have remained operational, with only temporary night closures of the northern runway during crane operations. Cargo carriers diverted seven flights during the peak salvage window but passenger services continued uninterrupted, averting major disruption to businesses that rely on Hong Kong’s hub status.
Investigators will examine braking-system data, runway-condition reports amid typhoon rains and crew actions. Emirates SkyCargo had wet-leased the 32-year-old freighter; insurers have declared a hull loss. Legal experts note that because the incident involved a foreign-registered aircraft operating on a wet lease, liability and regulatory jurisdiction could become complex, a point global mobility managers should flag when arranging charters.
The accident—and rapid clearance—highlight HKIA’s resilience but also the importance of emergency-response planning for logistics-intensive corporates. AAIA’s preliminary report, due within 30 days, may recommend runway-condition monitoring upgrades or revised ground-vehicle routing to protect staff working near runway ends.
Risk managers moving high-value cargo through HKIA during the peak Christmas season should monitor the investigation; any safety directives could affect slot allocations or turnaround procedures.
AAHK reiterated that all three runways have remained operational, with only temporary night closures of the northern runway during crane operations. Cargo carriers diverted seven flights during the peak salvage window but passenger services continued uninterrupted, averting major disruption to businesses that rely on Hong Kong’s hub status.
Investigators will examine braking-system data, runway-condition reports amid typhoon rains and crew actions. Emirates SkyCargo had wet-leased the 32-year-old freighter; insurers have declared a hull loss. Legal experts note that because the incident involved a foreign-registered aircraft operating on a wet lease, liability and regulatory jurisdiction could become complex, a point global mobility managers should flag when arranging charters.
The accident—and rapid clearance—highlight HKIA’s resilience but also the importance of emergency-response planning for logistics-intensive corporates. AAIA’s preliminary report, due within 30 days, may recommend runway-condition monitoring upgrades or revised ground-vehicle routing to protect staff working near runway ends.
Risk managers moving high-value cargo through HKIA during the peak Christmas season should monitor the investigation; any safety directives could affect slot allocations or turnaround procedures.
