Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) welcomed the Airports Council International (ACI) World's recently released ranking naming the gateway once again as the world's busiest cargo hub in 2022.

The airport then noted that an array of projects are currently underway to further enhance air cargo services at HKIA, in parallel with the expansion into a three-runway system.

Projects underway to boost air cargo

These major projects to boost Hong Kong's air cargo hub status include the expansion of DHL's Central Asia Hub to increase its handling capacity by 50% which was already completed for operation in the first quarter of 2023; and the development of a premium logistics centre by a joint venture spearheaded by Alibaba Group's logistics arm, Cainiao Network, scheduled to complete this year.

HKIA also noted the introduction of a new sea-air intermodal cargo transhipment model by setting up HKIA Logistics Park in Dongguan and a new airside intermodal cargo pier at HKIA, for which the pilot scheme has been running smoothly.

In a statement following the ACI World announcement, HKIA also noted that it is "one of the few" airports in the world with its cargo terminal operators and ramp handling operators attaining the International Air Transport Association (IATA) CEIV standards for the transport of cargo that requires special handling, including CEIV Pharma, CEIV Fresh or CEIV Live Animals.

"We are proud that HKIA retains its leading position as the world's busiest cargo airport in 2022. Despite the impact brought to the global aviation industry by the pandemic, HKIA's cargo performance has consistently remained strong over the past few years, leveraging its extensive network and high efficiency," commented Jack So, chairman of Airport Authority Hong Kong.

"As air traffic continues to recover worldwide, coupled with the completion of various new cargo facilities at HKIA, we will continue to work with our business partners to consolidate HKIA’s role as the world’s leading air cargo hub," he added.

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) retained its title as the world's busiest cargo airport in 2022 — maintaining the top spot for air cargo volumes globally from 2021, when it regained the busiest air freight hub accolade after dropping to second in 2020 due to the wide-ranging impacts of Covid-19.

HKIA handled a total of 4.2 million tonnes of cargo during the year, according to the latest data released by the ACI.

"HKIA retained the top position in 2022 despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and disruptions to global trade and supply chains that caused a decrease in overall air cargo volume globally," the airport authority said in a statement.