Cathay Cargo congratulates HKIA on being world’s busiest cargo airport for the 13th time in 14 years

Cathay Cargo congratulates Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) for once again being named the world's busiest cargo airport in 2023, according to the latest data from Airports Council International (ACI). As the city's home carrier for 77 years and the largest cargo operator at HKIA, Cathay Cargo is proud to be part of this success story.

Cathay’s Director Cargo Tom Owen said: “Hong Kong once again being named number one in the world for air cargo is a testament to the resilience, innovation and collaboration of the Hong Kong air cargo community. With its world-leading infrastructure, expertise and capabilities, supported by the increased development of intermodal connectivity within the Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong continues to be at the forefront of the global air cargo industry.

“Cathay’s ongoing investments in our passenger and freighter fleets, our extensive cargo network, cargo facilities, and our digital and sustainability capabilities to meet the evolving needs of cargo customers, are a reflection of our deep confidence in the long-term future of the Hong Kong air cargo logistics hub. We certainly don’t take Hong Kong’s air cargo success for granted, and remain committed to continuing to work together with the Transport and Logistics Bureau, Civil Aviation Department, Airport Authority Hong Kong, all sectors in the air cargo industry, and countless other important stakeholders to continue to grow Hong Kong further as the world’s leading air cargo hub, and the premier air cargo gateway connecting the Chinese Mainland with the rest of the world.”

Last month, Hong Kong International Airport and Cathay Cargo hosted the IATA World Cargo Symposium, one of the air cargo industry’s largest and most prestigious annual events, for the first time. The event achieved record attendance for an IATA event, and Cathay Cargo as the event’s host airline was proud to have the opportunity to showcase everything that makes the Hong Kong air cargo logistics hub truly best-in-class.

Cathay Cargo operates a fleet of 20 Boeing 747 freighter aircraft and also carries cargo in the bellies of the Cathay Group’s more than 190 passenger aircraft. In December 2023, it announced the purchase of six new state-of-the-art Airbus A350F freighters, and secured the right to acquire 20 additional aircraft in the future.

In 2023, Cathay Cargo carried almost 1.4 million tonnes of cargo, representing a 20% increase from 2022.