With the magnificent Lantau Island as its backdrop and facing the Hong Kong International Airport that connects the world, the Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal located at the southern end of Chek Lap Kok is a member of Hong Kong’s air cargo facilities cluster.

Fresh produce, urgent packages, pharmaceuticals, valuable commodities, oversized and overweight cargo... This freight station is busy day and night, transporting all kinds of goods to all parts of the world.

　　"In 2023, Hong Kong International Airport handled approximately 4.3 million tons of cargo, and is expected to once again be the busiest cargo airport in the world. This number will further consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's central position as an international aviation hub." Recently, by the International Air Transport Association The sponsored World Freight Symposium was held in Hong Kong for the first time, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po of the Hong Kong SAR Government said at the opening ceremony.

　　Hong Kong is strategically located, with a five-hour flight covering more than half of the world's population. Before the epidemic, there were more than 1,100 flights connecting more than 220 destinations around the world every day, making it an important intersection of global trade and freight business.

As of the end of 2023, the number of destinations at Hong Kong International Airport has returned to about 80% of the pre-epidemic level. The Airport Authority Hong Kong predicts that it will be fully restored to pre-epidemic levels within 2024.

　　"As the international freight gateway for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong, the 'super contact', shoulders the important mission of promoting the import and export trade of goods." Hong Kong Airport Authority Commercial Executive Director Chen Zhengsi told reporters that the latest statistics show that the Greater Bay Area About 75% of the goods are transshipped to other parts of the world via Hong Kong International Airport, most of which are e-commerce products.

　　In order to increase the speed of growth and improve efficiency, the Airport Authority Hong Kong has actively deployed in various cities in the Greater Bay Area and established a new mechanism for cargo circulation.

Among them, the Hong Kong International Airport Dongguan Airport Center will launch a pilot plan in April 2023. After the goods complete one-stop upstream services in Dongguan, they will arrive at the Hong Kong International Airport via waterways and then be seamlessly transported to the world.

"This efficient sea-air intermodal transport model can reduce transportation costs by 50% and save transportation time by 30%." Chen Zhengsi looks forward to expanding the area and capacity of this model in the future to better leverage Hong Kong's advantages and serve the needs of the Greater Bay Area.

　　24-hour electronic customs clearance system, cargo can still be received 3 hours before flight departure, 30 refrigerated tractor-trailer fleet, 55 cargo parking spaces... Mentioning the advantages of Hong Kong International Airport, Chen Zhengsi talked about it, "We are the first in the world to obtain All four airports have received CEIV special cargo transport certification from the International Air Transport Association, and the cargo categories cover pharmaceutical cold chain, fresh cargo, live animals and lithium batteries. This has laid a solid foundation for Hong Kong International Airport to develop high value-added air transport services."

　　It is reported that the third runway system of Hong Kong International Airport is expected to be fully put into service by the end of 2024, which will greatly enhance the airport's carrying capacity.

By 2035, Hong Kong International Airport can serve 120 million passengers and handle more than 10 million tons of cargo each year.

　　Developed air transport capabilities coupled with the professional services of cargo service providers provide guarantee for the steady development of Hong Kong's air cargo.

　　"How to make services safe, reliable, fast and efficient? The fully automatic material handling system in front of us is the 'backbone' of the Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal." Cathay Pacific Cargo Services General Manager Wang Shoulian told reporters proudly.

　　Standing in the center of the operating platform on the fifth floor of the Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal, you can see bright yellow cargo elevators and transfer trucks running freely along the track, transporting air cargo boxes quickly according to computer instructions.

The bulk container area to the west of the freight station is equipped with 4,200 storage spaces. The transportation system is also connected to the inspection hall of the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department to facilitate the SAR government to inspect goods in real time.

　　Intelligent temperature-controlled warehouses specially placed for pharmaceuticals, thermal imaging equipment for detecting the safety of lithium batteries, and a completely paperless electronic pickup area... Looking around, every corner of the Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal is full of personnel operations and cargo circulation. An orderly picture.

"Looking to the future, the development of Cathay Pacific's cargo business will focus more on digitalization and intelligence, and strive to provide excellence in services." Wang Shoulian said.

　　(People's Daily overseas version reported in Hong Kong on March 18)

　　Chen Ran