Jack So, chairman of the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), said the Cainiao Smart Gateway and 11 SKIES facilities—located strategically at the Hong Kong International Airport—will help boost the city's status as the region's e-commerce hub.

So and Cissy Chan, executive director, commercial of AAHK, visited the two new facilities to check on the progress of the new infrastructure developments.

Cainiao Smart Gateway, developed by a joint venture led by Cainiao Network, a subsidiary of Alibaba Group, commenced operation in September 2023.

The facility is a key part of HKIA's strategy to enhance its position as the e-commerce hub of the region.

It is equipped with a variety of automated equipment to enhance logistics efficiency. Cainiao Smart Gateway is expected to add 1.7 million tonnes of cargo volume to HKIA each year.

11 SKIES, meanwhile, developed by New World Development, is an integral part of SKYCITY at HKIA.

Poised to be Hong Kong's first one-stop retailtainment and tourism landmark, 11 SKIES spans a vast floor area of 3,800,000 sq. ft.

It will accommodate over 800 shops and boast the largest indoor entertainment hub in Hong Kong, covering an impressive floor area of 570,000 sq. ft.

"Cainiao Smart Gateway and 11 SKIES will take our airport to the next level. Cainiao's new facility will enable us to capture the immense opportunities arising from the continuous growth of cross-boundary e-commerce and consolidate our position as the e-commerce hub of the region," So said.

"On the other hand, 11 SKIES will help transform HKIA into a tourist destination in its own right, attracting visitors from the Greater Bay Area and major markets in Asia and providing fresh impetus to economic growth," he added.