Powering the Hong Kong Sevens at Kai Tak Sports Park

The Hong Kong Sevens is celebrating 50 years of history in 2026. Since it started at the Hong Kong Football Club in 1976, after more than four decades at the Hong Kong Stadium in So Kon Po, the event has now moved to its new home at the Kai Tak Sports Park. A dedicated team at the airport works behind the scenes. They make sure the world can watch every try and tackle through a perfect television broadcast.

To broadcast a world-class event like this, television companies need many tonnes of equipment. They bring in high-tech cameras, expensive lenses, and big computer racks. This gear has to move from one country to another very quickly. If the gear does not arrive on time, the TV screens stay dark. This is where Hactl (Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited) and its sister company, Hacis, step in. They handle the logistics that keep the Hong Kong Sevens running.

The benefit of a one-stop shop

When equipment arrives for the global rugby circuit, there is no time to send it to different places for checks. Everything needs to happen fast. Hactl uses what they call a "one-stop-shop" model. This means they do everything in one place at SuperTerminal 1. They unload the plane, check the security, and handle all the paperwork.

Bert Ng, who is the Director at Hacis, explains why this is so helpful. He says, "Hactl’s one-stop-shop service encompasses terminal and ramp handling, specialised cargo treatment (including Dangerous Goods), documentation, and air cargo security screening." By keeping everything under one roof, they avoid many common delays.

To keep things organised, Hactl uses very smart machines. They have an automated Container Storage System (CSS) and a Box Storage System (BSS). These systems work like a giant robot warehouse. They can find and move any piece of gear with perfect accuracy. Ng says these systems "ensure that diverse cargo types are stored and retrieved with automated precision to meet rigid setup deadlines." They also use a computer system called COSAC-Plus. This system connects the airport, the airlines, and the government. This way, everyone knows exactly where the cargo is at any moment.

Moving fast when every second counts
In the world of sports broadcasting, a delay of even one hour can be a disaster. Most of the equipment for the Sevens arrives in Hong Kong just a few days before the games begin. Sometimes it arrives only hours before the first match. Hactl is built for this kind of pressure. Their building is connected directly to the area where the planes land.

"In the high-stakes world of event logistics, every second counts," says Ng. "Our facility's direct airside connection allows cargo to move directly from the aircraft into SuperTerminal 1." Because Hactl stays open 24 hours a day, the work never stops. As soon as a plane touches down, the gear is already moving toward the stadium. There is no waiting for the next morning to start work.

Once the gear is inside the terminal, Hacis takes over the final leg of the journey. They use a service called "Airport Direct" to get the equipment to the Kai Tak Sports Park. Ng calls this an "accelerated terminal-to-venue pipeline." This fast lane ensures that the broadcast teams have enough time to set up their cameras. They can test their systems and make sure everything works before the first whistle blows.

Keeping the new technology safe
One big change in how we watch sports is the use of drones and wireless cameras. These tools give us amazing views of the game, but they need powerful lithium-ion batteries to work. In the air cargo world, these batteries are called "Dangerous Goods." This is because they can be a fire risk if they are not stored correctly.

Hactl has built special areas just to keep these batteries safe. They do not treat them like normal boxes. Ng says Hactl has "introduced significant safety innovations to manage these mission-critical assets."

Hactl has a special Lithium Batteries Storage Zone. This area has thick walls that can stop a fire. It also has a system that uses CO2 to put out flames automatically. They even programmed their storage robots to keep battery boxes in places where firefighters can reach them easily. "Combined with our intelligent cargo thermal detection system, we ensure that high-tech event equipment moves through the hub with maximum safety and total regulatory compliance," Ng adds. This keeps the gear safe and makes sure the airport stays safe, too.

The people who make it happen
Even with all the robots and computers, the most important part of Hactl is the people. Managing sensitive,high-value broadcast equipment requires precision, experience, and steady hands. Hactl’s staff are experts at handling sensitive gear. They know that if they make a mistake, millions of people might miss the game.

Ng believes the team's attitude is the secret to their success. He says, "While our systems are world-class, our reliability is driven by a highly experienced team that lives a culture of teamwork, safety, and operational excellence." This means everyone works together to solve problems before they become big issues.

The staff at Hactl have what they call a "can-do" spirit. Whether it is a late-night flight or a difficult piece of equipment, they find a way to get the job done. "We are committed to engaging the best people to ensure every shipment is handled with a meticulous eye for detail," says Ng. "This 'can-do' spirit ensures that our operational performance consistently exceeds expectations."

Supporting a new era for Hong Kong
As the Hong Kong Sevens starts its journey at the Kai Tak Sports Park, the city is showing that it can host the biggest events in the world. The new stadium is a symbol of the future, but it needs strong logistics to work correctly. Hactl and Hacis are proud to provide that support.

By using fast systems, safe storage for batteries, and a dedicated team, they make sure the equipment is always ready for the big game. They are not just moving boxes. They are moving the technology that lets the world see the best of Hong Kong sports.

As Bert Ng explains, the goal is always to keep Hong Kong’s standards high. When the fans are cheering at Kai Tak, and the TV broadcast looks perfect, it is because Hactl did its job behind the scenes. Hong Kong is ready for this new milestone, and Hactl is leading the way in making sure the gear gets across the finish line on time. For the Sevens and for the city, the future of logistics looks very bright.