Hong Kong Air Cargo Growth Fueled by E-commerce and Smart Infrastructure Strategy

Despite global trade policy volatility, Hong Kong’s air freight industry recorded a throughput growth of 2.2% in the first nine months of 2025. What factors are driving this resilience, and how is HACTL positioning itself to capitalize on the e-commerce wave and sustainability trends?

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Hong Kong’s air freight sector has demonstrated strong resilience over the past year, even while facing volatile trade policies and evolving market dynamics. Latest figures show that throughput at Hong Kong International Airport rose 2.2% year-on-year in the first nine months of 2025. This growth reflects a recovery in global trade flows alongside an irreversible surge in e-commerce demand.

Impact of "China Plus One" and the E-commerce Wave

When discussing 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, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (HACTL) does not believe this has had a detrimental effect on the region’s growth.

Mr. Kwong, representing HACTL, observed: “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.”

Investing in Specialized Cargo and Cold Chain

To respond to the booming e-commerce market, HACTL has proactively upgraded its facilities to handle specialized and high-risk cargo, particularly lithium batteries.

Mr. Kwong outlined the company’s strategy: “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.”

Simultaneously, the company is expanding its temperature-controlled logistics capacity. He explained: “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.”

These investments extend beyond the airport to logistics hubs in Dongguan, facilitating multi-modal transport. Mr. Kwong noted: “Fresh produce can now be transported by road to western Greater Bay Area locations, complementing air transport and meeting market demand efficiently.”

He added: “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.”

Automation and Sustainability

HACTL has long maintained a pioneer position in automation and digitalization, dating back to its former Kai Tak facility and continuing with the current SuperTerminal One. Describing the company’s philosophy, Mr. Kwong said: “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. He shared: “We trial, learn, and improve daily. Digitalisation is irreversible; it allows higher throughput and meets consumer expectations.”

He further emphasized the spirit of collaboration: “Automation benefits the sector when experience and solutions are shared. We welcome industry visitors to observe operations and innovations at SuperTerminal One.”

Beyond technology, sustainability underpins HACTL’s operational strategy, extending beyond compliance to proactive environmental management.

Mr. Kwong laid out the approach: “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.”

Future Outlook

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

The focus on multi-modal connectivity is expected to expand Hong Kong’s catchment area and support further throughput growth. Mr. Kwong added: “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.”

Looking ahead, HACTL intends to continue integrating digital solutions, automation, and sustainable practices to strengthen Hong Kong’s position in global supply chains. Mr. 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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