Asia Airfreight Terminal (AAT), Hong Kong's second air-cargo handler, processed 340,000 tonnes last year, 17.17 per cent of Hong Kong's air-cargo throughput. According to the Airport Authority, Hong Kong's air-cargo throughput last year was 1.98 million tonnes. Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals handled the balance of the airfreight. Nelson Lee Yiu-wing, AAT's general manager for planning and services, said that although AAT's growth rate worked out to about 30 per cent, the result was distorted because of the air-cargo chaos in July and August 1998, when the new airport's computers broke down soon after it opened. 'In realistic terms, we had about 20 per cent growth last year,' he said. Mr Lee said he was optimistic about AAT's business this year following last year's boom and with the present strong purchasing power of buyers in the United States, Europe, Japan and South Korea. AAT is confident the general growth can be maintained. It expects to gain at least 10 per cent growth this year compared with last year. The air-cargo handler, which has 13 customers, including Federal Express, is improving its material-handling systems and ramp-handling operations to meet customers' rising demands. Supported by 370 staff, AAT has spent $900 million on renovations and improvements to its material-handling and cargo-management systems. Asked about the regulated agents regime scheme, which will become effective on March 6, Mr Lee said cargo received from an unknown consignor would need to be searched by hand, screened by X-ray, subjected to a simulation chamber or screened in a means that was acceptable to the Aviation Security Authority. In addition, the cargo could be put on hold for a certain period. An unknown consignor who wishes to become a known consignor could do so by completing certain documentation and going through certain procedures. Otherwise, an unknown consignor will have to pay a 50 cents per kilogram security charge, a $30 flat handling fee, plus a minimum $50 charge per airway bill. FREIGHT