• Hong Kong’s airfreight sector has shown strong resilience in 2025, with a 2.2 percent year-on-year increase in cargo throughput at Hong Kong International Airport, driven by recovering trade flows and booming e-commerce.
• HACTL CEO Wilson Kwong highlighted that while trade policy shifts and “China plus one” manufacturing strategies continue to influence logistics, demand for Chinese goods and cross-border e-commerce remains strong.
• HACTL has responded by investing in specialised cargo handling, including lithium battery safety zones and a new cool chain complex for perishable goods.

Hong Kong’s airfreight industry has demonstrated resilience over the past year despite volatile trade policies and evolving market dynamics. Throughput at Hong Kong International Airport grew 2.2 percent year on year for the first nine months of 2025. This growth reflects both the recovery in global trade flows and an irreversible rise in e-commerce demand.

“The past 12 months have been characterised by uncertainty brought about by changing trade policies. Front-loading activities last year and subsequent tariff fluctuations affected shipments, but Hong Kong’s air cargo industry has remained resilient,” Wilson Kwong, Chief Executive of HACTL, said. “While everyone debates whether there will be a peak, I still expect a surge in demand, driven by consumer spending patterns and trade agreements.

When considering the impact of trade policy on operations in Hong Kong, the ‘China plus one’ strategy is often cited as a driver of shifting trade routes. However, HACTL doesn’t believe this has had any detrimental effect on the region’s growth.  “The trend towards diversifying production is impacted by changing tariffs. e-commerce growth, however, is irreversible. Chinese goods remain competitive in quality and price, so airfreight demand continues,” Kwong added.
e-commerce and specialised cargo

HACTL has responded to the growing e-commerce market by upgrading its facilities to handle specialised and high-risk cargo, particularly lithium batteries. “We prepare facilities before shipments arrive. Over the past 12 months, we have invested heavily in lithium battery storage zones, with CIV accreditation and thermal detection systems to enhance safety and handling,” Kwong outlined.

At the same time, the company has been investing in the expansion of its temperature-controlled logistics. “We have introduced the cool chain complex for high-value and perishable shipments. This facility is ready for future demand and ensures service quality remains high,” he explained. These investments extend beyond the airport, including logistics hubs in Dongguan to facilitate multi-modal transport. “Fresh produce can now be transported by road to western Greater Bay Area locations, complementing air transport and meeting market demand efficiently,” Kwong noted.

“By anticipating new types of cargo and adjusting infrastructure accordingly, we ensure readiness for future product trends and trade patterns. This allows Hong Kong to maintain its competitive edge in the regional supply chain,” he added.
Automation and sustainability

HACTL has maintained a leadership position in automation and digitalisation, dating back to its early adoption at the Kai Tak facility and the current SuperTerminal One. Kwong described the company’s philosophy: “Processes within a cargo terminal can be automated, but full automation is challenging. Our systems include 3,500 containerised storage positions and 10,000 bulk storage positions, all connected to facilitate efficient shipment transfers.”

Recent initiatives focus on autonomous electric tractors and advanced digital systems. “We trial, learn, and improve daily. Digitalisation is irreversible; it allows higher throughput and meets consumer expectations,” he said. “Automation benefits the sector when experience and solutions are shared. We welcome industry visitors to observe operations and innovations at SuperTerminal One.”

Sustainability underpins HACTL’s operational strategy, extending beyond compliance to proactive environmental management. “
Electrification is a core policy. We prioritise electric vehicles, introduce solar panels, and continuously seek technologies to save electricity. Recycling initiatives for wood, plastic, and uniforms further reduce our environmental footprint,” Kwong laid out.

“Uniforms are turned into tote bags, teddy bears, and cutlery. These efforts promote sustainability in a purposeful and fun way, while engaging employees and the wider community. It is essential for the future, not just a present-day consideration. Safety, security, service quality, and sustainability form the foundation of our operations.”

Implications and outlook

The combination of trade policy adaptation, e-commerce growth, infrastructure investment, automation, and sustainability positions Hong Kong as a resilient airfreight hub. “The industry’s agility ensures that we can respond to market shifts and maintain high service standards,” Kwong said.

The focus on multi-modal connectivity is expected to expand Hong Kong’s catchment area and support further throughput growth. “Projects like the Dongguan logistics hub and fresh-food air-land trailer system demonstrate our commitment to facilitating customer success and meeting regional demand efficiently,” Kwong added.

Looking ahead, HACTL intends to continue integrating digital solutions, automation, and sustainable practices to strengthen Hong Kong’s position in global supply chains. Kwong concluded: “Our goal is to anticipate market needs, invest in infrastructure proactively, and lead by example in operational excellence and sustainability.”

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