Tue, Aug 21, 2007
Officials Conducting Anti-Hijacking Drills
Without giving specific details,
China's vice minister of the General Administration of Civil
Aviation warned the state newspaper of hijack threats aimed at next
year's summer Olympics in Beijing.
"Our efforts to prevent hijacking, as part of the security for
the Olympics, face a severe test," said vice Minister Wang
Changshun, according to the Xinhua News Agency.
The caution was given the same day more than 600 civil aviation,
public security and firefighting officers participated in an
anti-hijacking drill in the port city of Dalian in Liaoning
province in northeastern China.
The drill scenarios included a rescue operation during a
hijacking situation in which passengers were held hostage and a
firefighting scene where an aircraft burst into flames upon
landing. The drills were monitored by Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan,
according to Xinhua News.
"At present, China's anti-hijacking work is facing a series of
new challenges," said Zhang Xinfeng, vice minister of public
security.
"Some international terrorist organizations are increasing their
infiltration into China and civil aviation planes could be the
target of a terrorist attack."
The Beijing airport is opening a new terminal in anticipation of
the surge in air traffic when athletes, spectators, journalists and
such begin arriving for the Games. Air traffic is expected to
increase by 50 percent.
According to the Associated Press, PEK has also issued an order
for domestic carriers to reduce their numbers of flights to the
capital during that time.
More News
Inversion to Launch Reentry Vehicle Demonstrator Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 This fall, the aerospace startup Inversion is set to launch its Ray reentry demonstrator capsule aboard Spac>[...]
"We are excited to accelerate the adoption of electric aviation technology and further our journey towards a sustainable future. The agreement with magniX underscores our commitmen>[...]
"The journey to this achievement started nearly a decade ago when a freshly commissioned Gentry, driven by a fascination with new technologies and a desire to contribute significan>[...]
Aero Linx: OX5 Aviation Pioneers Each year a national reunion of OX5 Aviation Pioneers is hosted by one of the Wings in the organization. The reunions attract much attention as man>[...]
"Our driven and innovative team of military and civilian Airmen delivers combat power daily, ensuring our nation is ready today and tomorrow." Source: General Duke Richardson, AFMC>[...]