Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) reported double-digit increase in cargo throughput for September boosted by growth in both imports and exports.

The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) said during the month, HKIA saw cargo throughput increased 17.9% to 455,000 tonnes, compared to the same month last year.

North America, Southeast Asia boost

"Strong cargo demand continued in September 2021, with both imports and exports continuing to register double-digit year-on-year growth. Overall cargo to and from North America and Southeast Asia experienced the most significant increases during the month," the airport said in a statement.

It added that the airport also handled 227,000 passengers and 13,920 flight movements, surging by 127.4% and 32%, respectively, from a low base during the same month last year which was impacted by travel restrictions effected due to Covid-19.

HKIA said it handled a daily average of more than 7,000 passengers during the month, amounting to around 5% of the pre-pandemic level during the same month in 2019 with outbound transfer passengers from Mainland China to Europe and North America recorded significant increases.

Meanwhile, over the first nine months of the year, cargo throughput saw 13.1% growth to 3.6 million tonnes and on a 12-month rolling basis, HKIA handled cargo throughput that was up 8.3% to 4.9 million tonnes.

AA said to continuously enhance operational excellence of air cargo handling at HKIA, it launched the HKIA Cargo Data Platform (the Platform). This is equipped with the latest smart technologies. The Platform forms a secured trusted network that connects key stakeholders along the supply chain – such as cargo terminal operators, freight forwarders, truckers and screening facility operators.

"This blockchain-enabled community based platform enhances shipment traceability, unifies communication and information exchange, synchronises and standardises process workflow and enables paperless working environment," it added, noting that The Platform supports International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) One Record standard as aligned to the digital future of the industry on a global perspective.

"As a smart airport, the AA took an innovative step to develop a common data platform to drive the community-wide digitalisation collaboration. The successful launch of the Platform signifies a more cohesive industry ecosystem which aims to create differentiating benefits for the Hong Kong air cargo community, thereby further consolidating HKIA’s status as a leading international cargo hub,” said commented Cissy Chan, executive director, Commercial of the AA.