HKT and Hactl collaborate to establish HK’s first 5G private network-enabled air cargo terminal

Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) and HKT collaborate to establish Hong Kong’s first 5G private network-enabled air cargo terminal. This collaboration will enhance Hactl’s automation capabilities and uplift its global logistics efficiency, reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a world-class aviation and logistics hub.

In 2024, Hactl managed more than 40% of the approximately 4.9 million tonnes of cargo handled by Hong Kong International Airport, the world’s busiest international cargo airport. The high-speed, ultra-low latency, secure and reliable 5G private network will transform air cargo terminal management at Hactl into a smart, interconnected ecosystem, paving the way for the future adoption of advanced technologies for enhanced productivity. The deployment will significantly enhance Hactl’s operational efficiency through the following enhancements:

• Seamless Autonomous Electric Tractor (AET) operations: The 5G private network will enable Hactl’s AETs to efficiently transport cargo with real time coordination and dynamically adapt to traffic and safety protocols, reducing the need for human intervention.

• Enhanced security with Patrol Robots: Equipped with AI-powered video analytics and 5G private network, Hactl’s security robots will continuously patrol cargo areas and transmit live footage to Hactl’s Security Control Centre over a dedicated, secure 5G mobile channel for real time surveillance and instant threat detection and response.

• Smart warehouse automation: Hactl’s 5G-connected Smart Cargo Locating system will streamline warehouse logistics by utilising real-time positioning and automated cargo tracking. Smart Forklifts for cargo racking will communicate with one another and the central operations system to optimise workflow and minimise manual errors.

Steve Ng, Managing Director of Commercial Group, HKT, said, “Connectivity is of paramount importance for digital transformation in the air cargo industry. HKT is committed to leveraging our private 5G network solutions to facilitate air cargo terminal operators to achieve real-time automation, AI-driven logistics and enhanced security. Our collaboration with Hactl represents a major step towards next-generation air cargo logistics, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a global leader in smart cargo operations.”

Wilson Kwong, Chief Executive of Hactl, added: “Hactl’s success to date is firmly based on its enthusiastic adoption of the very latest technologies throughout its business. This new private 5G installation is our latest initiative, building the essential foundation to support our future use of robotics, autonomous vehicles and digitalisation of processes throughout our SuperTerminal 1 facility.”

Enhanced automation capabilities will provide Hactl staff with unprecedented visibility and control over logistics processes, ultimately improving operational efficiency. Among planned advancements are Smart Handheld Terminals, wearable technology and IoT-integrated smart sensors.