Hong Kong International Airport achieved an all-time high for its annual throughout, having handled 4.52 million tonnes of cargo in 2016.

The performance was represented a year-on-year growth of 3.2%.

“We are delighted to see another record-breaking year of growth, and we must thank our more than 73,000 colleagues of the airport community for their concerted efforts in achieving this remarkable accomplishment, which will further strengthen HKIA’s leading position as an international and regional aviation hub,” said Fred Lam, chief executive officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong.

The airport also set a new record by handling 16,700 tonnes of cargo in a single day during the year.

In 2016, five airlines launched flights to Hong Kong: Austrian Airlines, Bismillah Airlines, Malindo Air, T’way Air and VietJet Air. The airport also added Chiang Rai, Ishigaki, London Gatwick, Madrid, Nha Trang, Saipan, Takamatsu and Yonago to its destination network.

Strong cargo growth in December was driven by a 15% year-on-year growth in transhipments and a 12% growth in exports. Trade to and from Southeast Asia, North America and Europe increased most significantly during the month, according to the airport authority.