For decades, Hong Kong has been the beating heart of global air cargo, bridging continents and supply chains with unparalleled efficiency. Today, as it embraces a new chapter defined by technological innovation and regional integration, Hong Kong's air cargo industry is coming full circle-reinventing itself while staying true to the strengths that made it a world leader.
From humble beginnings to global leader
Hong Kong's modern air cargo story began in 1971 with the establishment of Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (HACTL). Its first terminal at Kai Tak Airport opened in 1976, marking the start of what would become an extraordinary growth trajectory. By 1997, just before Hong Kong's handover, HACTL was handling 1.7 million metric tons of cargo annually.
The 1998 move to Chek Lap Kok's Super Terminal One (ST-1)-a groundbreaking $1 billion facility-initially caused operational disruptions but ultimately positioned Hong Kong for unprecedented growth. With an annual capacity of 3.5 million metric tons, ST-1 became the second busiest cargo terminal globally, only behind Memphis International Airport.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) would eventually claim the title of world's busiest cargo airport, holding it from 2010 and processing nearly 4.9 million metric tons of cargo in 2024. For decades, the "Made in Guangdong, exported via Hong Kong" model powered this growth, establishing Hong Kong as the indispensable link between Chinese manufacturing and global markets.
Navigating modern challenges
The air cargo landscape has grown increasingly complex in recent years. Trade tensions and U.S. import restrictions particularly impacted e-commerce shipments from Hong Kong, with 2025 data showing Hong Kong-U.S. traffic remained 16% below previous-year levels despite some recovery.
In 2021, Hong Kong implemented 100% air cargo security screening-a requirement that initially posed challenges for logistics providers facing increased costs and operational complexities. Rather than resisting change, the industry embraced higher standards, with the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department approving 145 regulated air cargo screening facilities to maintain the city's position as a secure global transit point.
Through these challenges, Hong Kong's air cargo sector demonstrated remarkable resilience. Cathay Pacific, for instance, reported an 11.4% year-on-year increase in cargo volume in the first half of 2025 by strategically expanding alternative routes like European services when North American demand wavered.
The technology transformation
Hong Kong's latest evolution may be its most significant-the transformation into an intelligent air cargo hub. In 2025, HACTL partnered with Hong Kong Telecom to create the city's first 5G-enabled smart air cargo terminal.
This technological leap enables real-time automation, artificial intelligence-powered logistics management, and enhanced security. The 5G private network facilitates coordination of autonomous electric tractors and AI-powered patrol robots, while staff benefit from smart handheld terminals, wearable technology, and IoT sensors.
This digital transformation represents Hong Kong's commitment to maintaining its competitive edge through innovation rather than just scale. As HACTL CEO Raymond Kwong noted, this initiative "lays an important foundation for future wider use of robotics, automated vehicles, and process digitization" at the terminal.
Regional integration: The new frontier
Perhaps the most strategic shift in Hong Kong's air cargo journey has been its deepening integration with the Greater Bay Area. The "Guangdong manufacturing, Hong Kong export" model has evolved into a sophisticated regional network.
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge has enabled a "one-bridge, two-airports" cross-border trucking concept, while HKIA's Dongguan Air Cargo Terminal handled over RMB 10 billion in import and export cargo value, proving the viability of the sea-air联运 model.
These initiatives allow mainland Chinese cargo to reach global markets more efficiently while strengthening Hong Kong's role as the connective tissue between the Pearl River Delta and international trade routes.
Full circle into the future
As Hong Kong's air cargo industry comes full circle, it finds itself returning to its fundamental strengths-connectivity, adaptability, and innovation-while operating in a far more sophisticated ecosystem.
The completion of the three-runway system in 2024 has further enhanced capacity, with the goal of handling 10 million metric tons of cargo annually by 2035. Specialized facilities for e-commerce, temperature-controlled goods, and pharmaceuticals are positioning Hong Kong to capture high-value cargo segments.
From its origins at Kai Tak to the high-tech hub at Chek Lap Kok, Hong Kong's air cargo industry has continually reinvented itself while staying true to its role as a global connector. As it embraces smart technology, regional integration, and specialized handling capabilities, Hong Kong isn't just revisiting its past successes-it's building the foundation for its next generation of leadership in global air cargo.
The journey continues, but the destination remains the same: keeping the world connected, one shipment at a time.
