Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) will be the host airport for the World Cargo Symposium (WCS) in 2024.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) made the announcement as it noted that the 2024 edition of the WCS — held this year in Istanbul, Turkey — is scheduled for March 12-14 at AsiaWorld-Expo.

The event is expected to draw over 1,000 attendees from around the world.

The WCS is an annual meeting of the global air cargo industry that brings together airlines, freight forwarders, ground handlers, shippers and regulators to discuss the latest trends, challenges and opportunities.

The event features plenary sessions, specialised streams, workshops and executive summits, tackling aspects related to technology and innovation, security and customs, cargo operations, and sustainability.

Cathay Cargo is the host airline of WCS in 2024.

"It is a great honour for HKIA to serve as the host airport of WCS 2024. The high-profile gathering of aviation leaders in Hong Kong will send a strong signal to global markets that Hong Kong is fully open to the world and that our aviation industry is engaging with our counterparts worldwide," said Fred Lam, chief executive officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong.

"We look forward to welcoming everyone and showcasing HKIA’s initiatives as we take the next steps towards consolidating HKIA’s role as the world’s No.1 cargo airport," Lam added.

Ronald Lam, Cathay's chief executive officer, also welcomed Hong Kong's hosting of the WCS 2024.

"Our home hub of Hong Kong has always sat at the heart of airfreight in Asia and remains the busiest international air cargo centre in the world. Importantly, Hong Kong is the major gateway to the continuously growing freight market in the Greater Bay Area. As the leading air cargo carrier in Hong Kong, Cathay Cargo is excited to welcome the global air cargo industry to our home and for them to rediscover the vibrancy, energy and progressiveness of this great city as a place to do business," the Cathay chief said.

HKIA has for many years been the world’s leading air cargo hub.

It was once again ranked the world's busiest cargo airport in 2022 by Airports Council International earlier this month, with 4.2 million tonnes of air cargo handled last year.