Chief Executive John Lee has expressed deep concern over a fatal cargo plane crash at the airport last week and said he hopes the cause of the incident will be determined as soon as possible.

An Emirates cargo plane veered off the runway in the early hours of October 20, crashing into a security patrol vehicle and killing the two officers inside.

Lee told reporters ahead of the Executive Council meeting on Tuesday that he was deeply saddened about the incident and extended his deepest condolences to the victims' families.

"We have asked the Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) to conduct an in-depth investigation expeditiously. The authority is now conducting a comprehensive investigation with the scope covering areas such as crew qualifications, flight operations, aircraft systems, maintenance records and the weather. It will conduct an in-depth analysis of the two retrieved black boxes to find out the sequence of the events," he said.

"Overseas experts will also participate, to ensure a professional, objective and fact-based investigation."

If any violations of laws or regulations are found, those responsible will be held accountable, Lee added.

With a preliminary report expected to be released within a month, Lee noted that such investigations are complex and take time, being as they involve many aspects.

But he said the government has told the authority to determine the cause of the crash as soon as possible.

The police, Lee said, will determine their direction of investigation based on the AAIA's findings.

The government will ensure all operations comply with international aviation safety standards, and do its best to assist with the probe, he added.