Chek Lap Kok agreement claimed as first for express-freight firm

US-based express-freight operator United Parcel Service (UPS) says it is the first to be granted self-handling rights at the Chek Lap Kok airport.

Perry Chao, UPS managing director for Hong Kong, said the rights gave UPS the flexibility to utilise its own employees and equipment to handle its aircraft and to bring shipments directly to the express centre.

'Express carriers have unique service requirements that demand additional manpower and flexibility, compared with general cargo operations,' he said at the opening of the US$2 million facility, which begins operations on July 6.

Other express distributors such as Federal Express, which has its own facility at the Asia Airfreight Terminal, use ground handling specialist Masc Ogden to handle shipments from aircraft to their facilities.

The UPS facility, covering 50,000 square feet, features technologies designed to integrate with electronic data interchange provided by the Customs and Excise Department.

Electronic data access systems will enable UPS to perform electronic customs clearance before a package arrives at the site.

If the package is not cleared, it will be sent to customs for inspection. Packages which receive pre-clearance are sent directly for sorting and distribution, cutting transit times.