Aerovision Technology Limited (ATL) and Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) have signed a collaboration agreement to install ATL's patented intelligent cargo thermal detection system at suitable locations within Hactl's SuperTerminal 1.
In a statement, Hactl said it is also the world's first air cargo terminal equipped with an intelligent cargo thermal detection system, which will further enhance the safety and reliability of cargo inspection to address the increasing volume of hazardous air cargo and mitigate potential fire risks.
Hactl noted that the newly introduced intelligent cargo thermal detection system, developed by ATL through innovative and patented technologies, holds significant importance in the safe handling of air cargo.
"By combining advanced thermal imaging technology, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, data analytics, and artificial intelligence, ATL has overcome the limitations of existing thermal energy monitoring techniques," it said in a statement.
It added that the system can monitor the temperature of different cargo materials in various environments in real-time and quickly identify any abnormal conditions, triggering alerts.
Hactl said the introduction of the intelligent cargo thermal detection system would further enhance the reliability, safety, and service levels of Hong Kong's air cargo industry.
It will also not only help prevent potential fire hazards but also reduce risks and losses faced by airlines, cargo handling companies, airports and passengers, enhancing the sustainable development of the aviation and logistics industries.
As part of the collaboration, ATL will provide comprehensive customised services based on the needs of Hactl, including system design, supply, installation, commissioning, training, and maintenance support.
Additionally, the two parties will collaborate closely to explore new technologies and solutions to meet the future development and changing demands of the air cargo industry.
"Hong Kong International Airport is one of the busiest cargo and passenger airports in the world, with air cargo volume consistently ranking among the top globally for years. CAD shoulders the dual roles of aviation safety promoter and regulator. It has always encouraged the air transport logistics industry to be risk-based and is pleased to see locally invented innovative technology being adopted to further enhance the safety and reliability of air cargo handling in relation to the growth of e-commerce in Hong Kong," said Richard Wu, deputy director-general of Civil Aviation Department (CAD).
"This is essential for the long-term success of Hong Kong and to maintain Hong Kong International Airport's leading position as the world's passenger and cargo hub as well as the busiest air cargo airport," he added.
Angus Cheung, CEO of ATL, for his part, said the collaboration is important in maintaining Hong Kong's position as the world's busiest air cargo airport and will also set a new standard for safe handling of air cargo in future.
Wilson Kwong, chief executive at Hactl, said its SuperTerminal 1 is the single largest air cargo terminal globally and an essential part of Hong Kong's air cargo industry.
"We are committed to continuous development through the adoption of innovative technologies. This collaboration with ATL will introduce new cargo thermal detection technology to our terminal, further improving the reliability of cargo inspection, contributing to aviation safety and strengthening the operational resilience of our terminal. It also sets a new benchmark for the air cargo industry," he said.
The collaboration agreement was signed on December 14, 2023, at the Hong Kong Asia World Expo by Ir Dr Angus Cheung of ATL and Wilson Kwong of Hactl.
The signing ceremony was attended by Michael Wong Wai-Lun, deputy financial secretary of the HKSAR Government, and Cui Xiaofeng, deputy administrator of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), among others.