Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) reported "steady" cargo volumes for August.

The Airport Authority said cargo volume remained steady at 374,000 tonnes, recording a 3.5% drop year-on-year, while freighter movements saw year-on-year growth of 21.5% to 5,960, up from 4,906.

During the month, the airport also handled 84,000 passengers and 10,000 flight movements, representing year-on-year decreases of 98.6% and 72%, respectively as travel demand remained weak as a result of the continuation of Hong Kong’s entry restrictions for non-residents, as well as immigration restrictions and quarantine measures implemented in different countries and regions.

On the cargo front, HKIA said though transshipments experienced a significant decrease due to shortage of belly capacity on passenger flights, exports and imports increased by 8% and 4% respectively compared to the same month last year.

"Overall cargo throughput to and from Southeast Asia and Mainland China experienced the most significant decreases during the month," it added.

Over the first eight months of the year, HKIA's cargo throughput saw a decrease of 9% to 2.8 million tonnes and on a 12-month rolling basis, cargo throughput was 4.5 million tonnes, down 7.1% compared to the same period last year.

New Board Members appointed

Meanwhile, the Airport Authority also announced the appointment of two new members to the Board: Nisa Bernice Leung Wing-yu and Dr. William Wong Ming-fung, S.C., who will serve from 1 October 2020 to 31 May 2023.

Under the Airport Authority Ordinance, the Chairman and members of the AA are appointed by the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

From 1 October 2020, the AA Board will comprise 17 members.