he Airport Sector Division has won most of its business through competitive tenders since its inception in 1998. In the year under review, it again won several competitive tenders for major contracts to maintain the Airport Authority's (AA) aerobridges, baggage and passenger security screening systems, and waste water treatment plant. Leveraging its experience over the past two years, it also secured extensions to three main contracts: mechanical services, electrical services, and pumping systems and building services for maintenance works at the Passenger Terminal Building and other ancillary buildings at the airport.

In addition to the services delivered to the AA, the division also provides comprehensive operations and maintenance services to 13 government departments at Chek Lap Kok, including the Civil Aviation Department, Hong Kong Observatory, the Hongkong Post, Government Flying Services, Hong Kong Police Force, Customs & Excise Department, Immigration Department, Fire Services Department and the Protocol Division. The division supports these departments, facilitating their services at the airport.

A main focus of the division is to further improve cost effectiveness as its business grows. Its competitive pricing ensures that clients enjoy good value for money, whilst the division's on-site team is familiar with clients' operations and is on the spot to provide effective solutions fast. Through a combination of formal and informal communication channels, such as business process improvement teams and frequent discussion with customers, the division has been able to fine-tune its work processes to help Chek Lap Kok clients save cost. Safety and reliability are critical to airport operations. The division has provided totally reliable support in the past year, a notable example being the successful Y2K transition, an area where EMSTF engineers worked in close partnership with their client counterparts for many months.

Airport services are a fast changing and extremely competitive area, open to both local and international players. The division is aware of the many challenges ahead, and is constantly seeking new ways to create value for customers. As an active working partner for many Chek Lap Kok organisations, EMSTF is fully aware of the public's increasing expectations in this area, and spares no effort in helping clients to satisfy those demands. With the benefit of its solid knowledge, on-site experience and competitive pricing, the division anticipates continued growth in 2000/01.