Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) reported double-digit growth in cargo volume for the first quarter of 2021 with throughput to and from North America recording the most increase during the month.

The Airport Authority said total cargo throughput saw year-on-year growth of 14.1% to 409,000 tonnes, while freighter movements surged 37.2% to 6,055 from 4,413 compared with the same month last year.

In January 2021, cargo imports and exports at HKIA experienced significant growth of 37% and 24%, respectively.

"The year-on-year growth recorded in cargo throughput was mainly due to a low base for comparison, as last year’s Chinese New Year period was in January, and most factories in Mainland China were closed," the Airport Authority said in a statement.

Transshipments also experienced a double-digit decline due to a shortage of belly capacity on passenger flights.

"Overall, cargo throughput to and from North America saw the most significant increase during the month," it added.

On a 12-month rolling basis, cargo throughput recorded 4.5 million tonnes, a decrease of 5.1% year-on-year.

Meanwhile, with the coronavirus vaccine distribution looming, Cissy Chan, executive director, Commercial of the AA, said HKIA “stands ready to provide a seamless cold chain solution for delivering vaccines and pharmaceuticals efficiently, professionally and to the highest international standards.”