Cathay Cargo Applauds HKIA’s Global Cargo Leadership

Cathay Cargo has extended its congratulations to Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) for once again being named the world’s busiest cargo airport. This marks the 14th time HKIA has received this recognition since 2010, as announced by Airports Council International.

This milestone reinforces Hong Kong’s critical position in global logistics and international air freight. As the airport’s largest cargo operator, Cathay Cargo has played a key role in this achievement and continues to support the airport’s growth as a major logistics hub.

Tom Owen, Cathay Director Cargo, said: “That Hong Kong has once again been named number one in the world for air cargo is an outstanding achievement and one that stands as testament to the cooperation, innovation and world-leading facilities that our home hub has to offer. As the largest cargo operator at HKIA, we are proud to be part of this success story.”

He added that Cathay Cargo remains focused on the future and continues to invest heavily in fleet expansion, network growth, digital advancements, and infrastructure upgrades. These efforts reflect the airline’s belief in Hong Kong’s long-term potential as a key player in global logistics.

In 2024, Cathay Cargo handled 1.5 million tonnes of cargo, an 11% increase over the previous year. This represented nearly a third of HKIA’s total cargo volume. Globally, the airline ranks among the top 10 cargo carriers based on scheduled cargo tonne kilometres, and fifth among combination airlines, according to IATA’s latest statistics.

Cathay Cargo operates scheduled freighter services to over 40 destinations around the world and also utilizes the belly space of Cathay Group’s passenger aircraft for cargo.

Looking ahead, the airline is committing over HK$100 billion in investments aligned with the opening of the Three-Runway System at HKIA. These investments include over 100 new-generation aircraft, such as six Airbus A350F freighters, with options for 20 more in the future. These additions are set to boost capacity and efficiency in the coming years.

Cathay Cargo was also recently named Cargo Operator of the Year by Air Transport World, further cementing its leadership in the industry and its dedication to strengthening Hong Kong’s role in global cargo transport.