Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is advancing its digitalization efforts and infrastructure developments to support future air cargo needs.

The world’s busiest air cargo hub highlighted the importance of investing in digitalization to address the evolving requirements of the air cargo industry on the back of new trends and emerging technologies.

“As the world’s leading cargo hub, HKIA is dedicated to staying ahead of the digitalization trend in air cargo through continual investments in cutting-edge technologies and digital collaborations with major stakeholders,” a spokesperson of the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) told Asia Cargo News. “With the emergence of ecommerce and disruptive technologies, digitalization plays a crucial role in the air cargo industry.”

In 2021, AAHK launched the HKIA Cargo Data Platform, an open and neutral community-based digital ecosystem to digitalize and simplify the complex documentation process for the Hong Kong air cargo industry, including cargo terminal operators, freight forwarders, truckers, warehouse operators, and regulators.

“The platform has not only expedited the cargo handling process but also orchestrated the communication of the supply chain stakeholders to enable more seamless, efficient, secured, and paperless operations and better cargo journey visibility,” the spokesperson said.

The HKIA Cargo Data Platform is developed in phases, with different application modules for air cargo import and export processes. The Hong Kong Export Module, the Greater Bay Area (GBA) Export Module, and the Customs GBA Sea-Air Transshipment Facilitation Scheme Module have already been launched, while the airport also introduced the pilot of the Hong Kong Import Module in early 2024.

“The Hong Kong Import Module is the world’s first transformational application pioneered by the air cargo industry to cover the full scope of the end-to-end import cargo collection process digitalization,” the spokesperson said.

Key enablement includes the issuance of an electronic shipment release form (eSRF) and the incorporation of ePouch, ePay, eStamp, and eQueue functions, enabling a seamless and paperless import cargo handling process.

The new digital application improves the experience of those in the freight forwarding community by simplifying the import cargo collection process. It allows for a more secure and paperless method through an integrated platform. Truckers see shorter wait times at terminals, and cargo terminals can manage their resources more effectively, enhancing overall efficiency.

The AAHK spokesperson pointed out that data is a crucial asset of companies. By utilizing the HKIA Cargo Data Platform, stakeholders throughout the supply chain can access and share data in real time.

“Individual users can access their own performance and operations data through dashboards and reports, thus facilitating their fact-based decision-making and business planning processes. The use of trusted data and the application of advanced analytics functions enables the cargo supply chain to be more resilient and sustainable,” the spokesperson added.

“Moving forward, the platform will continue to grow through collaboration with partners in other countries, sectors, and industries. It will continue to evolve and transform into a global digital trade ecosystem to synchronize information flow, cargo flow, and capital flow to reduce frictions in global trade.”

As a smart airport, HKIA also strives to further enhance operations efficiency through adopting innovative technology.

The spokesperson told Asia Cargo News that, for instance, HKIA is the world’s first airport to put autonomous electric tractors (AET) into live operation. It has been deployed to deliver cargo as well as baggage in the airfield operation and boosted operations efficiency and sustainability, and eased social and labour pressures.

In addition to the technological advancements, the recent commissioning of the three-runway system at HKIA marks another milestone in Hong Kong’s aviation development. The infrastructure enhancement is seen to further boost the airport’s capacity and connectivity to meet the expected increasing cargo demand.

“To capture future growth opportunities, HKIA is focusing on the high-value and fast-growing segments,” the spokesperson said, adding that HKIA is the world’s first airport to attain the full suite of Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) certifications from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for the handling of high-value goods including pharmaceuticals, perishables, live animals and lithium batteries.

In response to the rapid rise of ecommerce, an array of developments is also in progress at HKIA to capture these opportunities.

In 2023, HKIA saw the completion of the Cainiao Smart Gateway, developed by Alibaba Group’s logistics arm, and the expansion of DHL’s Central Asia Hub, which increased its capacity by 50%. Meanwhile, UPS also plans to establish a new hub facility at the airport.

To enhance connectivity with the Greater Bay Area (GBA), HKIA has also launched a novel cargo sea-air transhipment operation which enables security screening, palletization, cargo acceptance and other services to be completed upstream at the HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park before the cargo is shipped to HKIA by sea for air transhipment to worldwide destinations.

The AAHK spokesperson said a similar process is also in place for international imports to mainland China. “The new model revolutionizes the way HKIA supports transhipment and will reinforce HKIA’s role as the most important international cargo gateway for the GBA.”

The GBA is a Chinese government initiative to promote closer cooperation and economic integration between 11 cities of the Pearl River Delta, of which Hong Kong, Macau, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou are seen as core engines. It is eyed to be the Silicon Valley of the East and Wall Street within the same city cluster, comparable to the New York metropolitan area.

Colliers’ research previously estimated that the GBA economy will reach US$3.6 trillion by 2030.

“Digitalization plays a vital role in this cross-border intermodal operations because a critical digital enablement was introduced to enhance the Sea-Air Transshipment Facilitation Scheme Application Module with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) function, ensuring cargo security and real-time monitoring of air cargo during the sea voyage between GBA and Hong Kong,” the spokesperson told Asia Cargo News, adding that the overall journey is also “track and traced” through the Dongguan GBA application modules of HKIA Cargo Data Platform, which allows regulated agents to oversee the physical operations as handled on a remote basis.

“By seizing opportunities presented by shifts in global trading patterns, HKIA ensures it remains at the forefront of the industry. With unparalleled efficiency and world-class cargo facilities, HKIA is fully prepared to continue serving worldwide air cargo customers, timely responding to the evolving trade landscape,” the spokesperson added.

By Charlee C. Delavin

Asia Cargo News | Hong Kong