The HK$1.1 billion figure puts the authority on track to meet its goal of handling 1 million tonnes of cargo per year by 2025 and underscores its efforts to solidify the airport’s global position as the leading goods-handling hub.

Chan said the authority wanted the airport to serve as an important dual gateway in the Greater Bay Area, which is Beijing’s plan to integrate Hong Kong, Macau and nine mainland cities into an economic powerhouse.

“Currently, 75 per cent of the international air cargo in the bay area goes through the Hong Kong International Airport for onward shipment worldwide,” she said.

Chan added the Hong Kong market was highly globalised, encompassing not only the United States, Europe, but also many other places in Asia.

The airport, with 4.2 million tonnes of throughput in 2022 – the latest available figures – was ranked the world’s busiest cargo airport, surpassing Shanghai, Los Angeles and Tokyo.

In January, Hong Kong’s cargo throughput maintained its robust momentum, recording a year-on-year increase of 31.1 per cent to 377,000 tonnes, with a substantial increase of 44.5 per cent in exports. Cargo flights rose by 27.3 per cent to 6,215 from 4,883.

“Our philosophy is not to sit here and wait for the goods to come from the Greater Bay Area,” Chan said. “Instead, we take a proactive approach by going to its doorstep to provide better service.”

Hong Kong air traffic to make ‘full recovery’ next year: Paul Chan

She noted three current rental facilities in Dongguan were operating with 17 airlines receiving goods and 100 logistic agents on board the pilot scheme, estimating the sea-air intermodal connectivity could save up 30 per cent of shipping time and 50 per cent of logistics cost.

Chan pointed out that the airport’s cargo throughput would be bolstered further after a new UPS hub in Hong Kong, capable of handling 1 million tonnes of cargo annually, was expected to be in service in 2028.

She said extra capacity would stem from DHL’s revamped logistics facility. Last year, Cainiao Smart Gateway started operating as well.

Cainiao is the third-largest warehouse in the city with a gross floor area of 380,902 square metres in a 12-storey facility. It is a logistics arm of Alibaba Group, which owns the South China Morning Post.

The Airport Authority is one of three hosts of the world cargo symposium hosted by the International Air Transport Association from Tuesday to Thursday.

The largest annual air cargo event will focus on driving sustainable and inclusive growth within the industry amid booming demand from the e-commerce sector.

Hong Kong to set up logistics data platform connecting city’s transport hubs

Tim Wong Sau-lim, general manager in cargo service delivery at Cathay Pacific Airways, which is another host of the symposium, said e-commerce was driving the transformation of the air freight industry, accounting for 60 per cent of the company’s cargo’s goods.

“We will continue to strengthen our fleet,” he said. “On top of our existing 20 Boeing 747 freighters, we have already ordered six A350F cargo aircraft, which will be delivered commencing from 2027, and we have secured the right to acquire 20 more.”

But Wong stopped short of saying whether the airline’s current pilot shortage would hinder the company’s future cargo capacity.