Cathay Cargo Terminal is celebrating its first decade of operations, a major milestone in the history of the terminal.

The concept for the terminal was signed off in 2008, and the building itself was completed in 2011. Following two busy years of installation and testing of systems and procedures, including the state-of-the-art automated cargo handling system, the terminal handled its first air cargo shipments at the start of 2013. It became fully operational at the start of October the same year.

Since then, the world-leading terminal has handled more than 11 million ULDs (unit load devices) for more than 1.4 million flights.

To mark the occasion, Cathay Cargo Terminal hosted guests and dignitaries at an event at a restaurant at Hong Kong’s new M+ gallery.

Speaking on the night, Director Cargo and Chair of the Cathay Cargo Terminal Tom Owen said: ‘It was great to be able to celebrate our special date with so many of our customers and special friends of the terminal.

‘While it is important to look back and celebrate our success, we are incredibly focused on the future as we continue to build on our important role in ensuring Hong Kong maintains its position as the world’s largest air cargo hub.’

The Cathay Cargo Terminal was built to bring state-of-the-art technology to Hong Kong International Airport and to raise cargo terminal service standards. That ambition remains with its full set of CEIV accreditations, the new Pharma Handling Centre and its upstream sister in the Hong Kong Logistics Park in Dongguan, which enables intermodal, bonded shipments by sea between the Greater Bay Area and Hong Kong.

Cathay Cargo Terminal Chief Operating Officer Mark Watts concluded: ‘We are continuing to build on our impressive legacy by investing in initiatives which continually improve our handling of special cargo.’