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Christmas rush sees air cargo surge 30pc

Hong Kong's air-cargo throughput rose 30 per cent in September and October compared with the same period last year.

Hong Kong Association of Freight Forwarding Agents chairman Anthony Lau Siu-wing said business had been 'pretty good' over the two months.

Companies rushing to supply Christmas goods and exporters trying to avoid the Y2K bug had put pressure on capacity.

Mr Lau said airlines had raised their rates from US$320,000 per B747-200 freighter last year to $420,000 to $430,000 this year. He said the association did not blame airlines for raising rates as their charges were similar to those 20 years ago.

Agents who had signed 12-month contracts had to bite the bullet while others had to negotiate whatever prices they could get, he said.

On Monday, the association held a forum with its members to discuss problems and issues facing the industry, including the regulated agents regime scheme to enhance security of cargo in the bellies of passenger aircraft.

The association said it would be ineffective if the scheme was not extended to other airports in the region.

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