The Airport Council International has named Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) as the single busiest cargo airport in the world for the 14th time since 2010. In the heart of the Asia-Pacific region, Hong Kong is a crucial strategic area and port. The airport handled almost 5 million tonnes of cargo during the year. Cathay Group, containing Cathay Pacific and Cathay Cargo, have been instrumental in the airport’s success.
HKIA’s response
Speaking of the news, CEO of Airport Authority Hong Kong, Vivian Cheung, said:
“We are proud to be consistently named the world’s busiest cargo airport over the years. This is a great demonstration of our commitment in enhancing our cargo services by striving for innovation and seizing opportunities. Alongside the commissioning of the Three-runway System, we are also seeing new cargo handling facilities established at the airport. We will continue to work with the air cargo community to leverage the unique advantages at HKIA, strengthen our resilience amid the economic uncertainties and challenges, and reinforce HKIA as the world’s leading aviation hub.’’
Cathay Airlines
Cathay Pacific, flag carrier of Hong Kong headquartered at HKIA, congratulated the airport and expressed honour at contributing to its success. This comes after recognition of the airlines success in sustainability and security.
Cathay Director Cargo Tom Owen said:
“That Hong Kong has once again been named number one in the world for air cargo is an outstanding achievement and one that stands as testament to the cooperation, innovation and world-leading facilities that our home hub has to offer. As the largest cargo operator at HKIA, we are proud to be part of this success story.”
“We won’t rest on our laurels, however, and our investments into our fleet, network, facilities and digital capabilities reflect not only our commitment to, but also our confidence in the long-term future of the Hong Kong international aviation and logistics hub. We look forward to continuing to work together with the entire air cargo community, including the Transport and Logistics Bureau, Civil Aviation Department, Airport Authority Hong Kong and other important stakeholders, to innovate and ensure HKIA maintains its position as the world’s best and busiest air cargo hub.”
Plans for the future of HKIA
Cathay Cargo is a top-10 cargo carrier globally. They carried 1.5 million tonnes of cargo in 2024, 11% more than the year prior, and 31% of all cargo handled by HKIA. They provide scheduled freighter services to over 40 worldwide destinations using the belly space of Cathay Group’s passenger aircraft.
Cathay Pacific has deep roots in Hong Kong and is deeply committed to the growth of the airport and city as the perennial logistics and international aviation hub of the Asia-Pacific region. Billions have already been invested and over 100 new aircraft, passenger and freighter, are set to join their fleet. This includes six Airbus A350F freighter aircraft, with an additional 20 planned in the future.
Cathay Cargo was also named Cargo Operator of the Year by Air Transport World.
This, of course, means something about the state and direction of cargo aviation and the broader world economy. If you have any details or thoughts you’d like to share, do tell us in the comment section below.
