HKIA sets monthly record for cargo in November

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) set a new monthly record for cargo tonnage throughput in November 2014. During the month, cargo volume rose by 5.5% year on year to reach 421,000 tonnes. Continued growth was also seen in other traffic categories during the month, in which HKIA handled 5.1 million passengers and 32,920 flight movements, registering growth of 5.4% and 4.0%, respectively, over the same period last year.

The growth in passenger traffic in November was mainly driven by a 12% year-on-year growth in transfer/transit traffic. Passenger traffic to/from North Asia and Mainland China recorded the most significant increases.

The growth in cargo throughput last month was driven by transshipments and exports, which were up 11% and 5% respectively from a year ago. During the month, cargo throughput to/from North America and Southeast Asia increased most significantly compared to other key regions.

Julia Yan, General Manager, Strategic Planning & Development of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said, “This is the first time HKIA has handled over 400,000 tonnes of cargo in a single month. This achievement further solidifies HKIA’s position as the world’s busiest cargo airport. Boosted by the seasonal surge in both cargo shipments and passenger traffic demand, we expect across-the-board growth in traffic volume to continue as we approach the end of the year, setting new annual records for all three traffic categories.”

This year, HKIA is gearing up a variety of festive activities and decorations for passengers from around the world to enjoy. For the very first time, the airport will feature Christmas-themed light projections to delight passengers in the Central Concourse in Terminal 1, while world-renowned magicians will greet passengers with mesmerising tricks at the Meeters and Greeters Hall. Students from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts will also form flash mobs to sing A Capella Christmas carols at the boarding gates to celebrate the festive season.

In addition, seven characters created by renowned local illustrator Bigsoil – including White Bear and friends dressed up in festive outfits – have been stationed at a giant Christmas gift box at the Arrivals Hall in Terminal 1 since the beginning of December.

Over the first 11 months of 2014, HKIA handled 57.7 million passenger trips, 4.0 million tonnes of cargo and 356,700 flight movements, representing growth of 5.6%, 6.3% and 5.1%, respectively, over the same period last year.

On a rolling 12-month basis, passenger volume grew by 5.7% to 63.0 million, while cargo throughput climbed by 5.8% to 4.4 million tonnes. Flight movements rose by 5.3% from the previous year to 389,545.