Airport Authority Hong Kong and Groupe ADP have signed a memorandum of understanding on air cargo development and another on airport management and aviation development.

According to AAHK, the MoU on air cargo development aims to strengthen the cooperation between HKIA and CDG, as well as between Asia and Europe, and to promote and facilitate the transport of fast-growing cargo segments such as e-commerce, temperature-controlled goods and luxury products. Both airports will share experience, best practices and information of common interest to enhance safety, security, reliability and efficiency of air cargo development. Both airports have already obtained the Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics certification from the International Air Transport Association.

“We are delighted to strengthen our connection with Paris-CDG Airport, which is a key European hub and one of the world’s busiest airports,” said Fred Lam [left in photo], chief executive officer of AAHK. “Through this collaboration, we hope to construct a mutually beneficial partnership that will help both parties continuously enhance airport operations and development in various areas. I believe that by sharing experiences and working together hand in hand, we can offer even better airport experiences and services to our respective passengers and the logistics sectors, as well as elevate the competitiveness of our airports.”

Under the MoU on airport management and aviation development, the two airports will cooperate to improve performance in efficiency, safety, security, quality and environmental protection. They have also agreed to enhance network connectivity and share experiences through a staff-exchange programme to further support talent development.

“By sharing their experiences and best practices as well as exchanging staff, we will definitely increase our performances in terms of quality of service, productivity, safety, security and environment protection,” said Augustin de Romanet [right in photo], chairman and CEO of Groupe ADP. “We are also very proud to partner with HKIA on the development of aviation industry talents and to explore new opportunity in mainland China. On cargo, each airport will benefit for best practices and from developments of high-value activities such as luxury products and e-commerce.”

There are currently an average of 44 flights between Hong Kong and Paris-CDG every week. In 2017, these flights carried approximately 39,700 tonnes of cargo and more than 480,000 passengers between the two cities.

Hong Kong International Airport is the busiest cargo airport in the world and handled more than 5 million tonnes in 2017, while Paris-CDG handled 2.2 million tonnes in 2017, making it the busiest cargo airport in Europe.