Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has retained its status as the world’s busiest air-cargo hub by tonnage, as cited in the Airports Council International (ACI) rankings for 2023.

HKIA handled 4.3 million tonnes of cargo last year, of which Cathay Cargo was the biggest contributor, accounting for 1.4 million tonnes, up 20 per cent on the previous year.

Director Cargo Tom Owen welcomed the news. ‘Hong Kong once again being named number one in the world for air cargo is a testament to the resilience, innovation and collaboration of the Hong Kong air-cargo community,’ he said. ‘With its world-leading infrastructure, expertise and capabilities, supported by the increased development of intermodal connectivity within the Greater Bay Area (GBA), Hong Kong continues to be at the forefront of the global air-cargo industry.’

These capabilities were ably demonstrated earlier this year at the IATA World Cargo Symposium 2024, which attracted the biggest number of delegates ever to an IATA event. It also reflects the strategic importance of HKIA as the aviation gateway for the GBA – Cathay Cargo’s extended home market – as outlined in the Central Government’s 14^th Five Year Plan. When all three runways at HKIA start operations later this year, the cargo throughput could potentially reach 10 million tonnes.

‘Air cargo is a key driver of the growth of Hong Kong’s logistics industry and overall economic development,’ said Jack So, Chairman of Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK). ‘AAHK will continue to work tirelessly with our air-cargo community to further strengthen HKIA’s competitiveness as a global cargo hub.’

Working together with AAHK and HKIA, Cathay Cargo has extended the reach to the GBA, enabling built up and bonded intermodal shipments to pass to and from HKIA via boat to the Cathay Cargo Terminal in the HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park. Along with the rest of the airport community, it offers validated shipment care, holding all four IATA CEIV accreditations: CEIV Lithium Batteries, CEIV Pharma, CEIV Fresh and CEIV Live Animals certifications.

‘Cathay’s ongoing investments in our freighter and passenger fleets, our extensive cargo network, cargo facilities, and our digital and sustainability capabilities to meet the evolving needs of cargo customers, are a reflection of our deep confidence in the long-term future of the Hong Kong air-cargo logistics hub,’ added Owen.

This confidence was demonstrated late last year when Cathay placed an initial order for six next-generation Airbus A350F wide-body freighters, while securing the right to acquire a further 20 more.

‘We remain committed to continuing to work together with the Transport and Logistics Bureau, Civil Aviation Department, Airport Authority Hong Kong, all sectors in the air-cargo industry, and countless other important stakeholders to continue to grow Hong Kong as the world’s leading air-cargo hub, and the premier air-cargo gateway connecting the Chinese Mainland to the rest of the world,’ concluded Owen.