TIACA and HACTL sign deal to sponsor Rising Star Award until 2028

The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) has signed a multi-year sponsorship agreement with Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (HACTL) to support the TIACA Rising Star Award through 2028. The agreement will see HACTL serve as the official sponsor of the award, which recognises young professionals contributing to the global air cargo and logistics sector.

The Rising Star Award honours professionals under the age of 35 who demonstrate contribution, innovation and leadership within the air cargo community. The recognition forms part of TIACA’s initiatives aimed at supporting the development of talent across the industry and encouraging participation from the next generation of professionals.

The next recipient of the award will be announced during the TIACA Executive Summit scheduled to take place from June 1 to 3 in Warsaw. The summit is expected to bring together airline executives, logistics companies, ground handlers and industry stakeholders to discuss developments shaping the air cargo sector.

Roos Bakker, Chair of TIACA, said the partnership reflects the industry’s focus on building leadership among younger professionals.

“We are delighted to partner with HACTL in fostering the next generation of leaders in air cargo,” said Bakker. “This collaboration highlights the importance of nurturing young talent and supporting innovation that will shape the future of our industry.”

HACTL said the sponsorship aligns with its internal approach to training and workforce development within the cargo terminal business. The company has operated cargo handling facilities in Hong Kong for decades and maintains training programmes aimed at preparing staff for management roles.

“Nurturing the leaders of the future is vital in any industry. It’s a commitment to ongoing success, and that’s why HACTL is delighted to take on the long-term sponsorship of TIACA’s Rising Star Award. For the last half century we have designed, developed and implemented training programmes which enable us to grow our own future management, so it is only fitting that we become the sponsor of this award," stated Michelle Choi, Acting Chief, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals (HACTL).

Nominations for the 2026 Rising Star Award are currently open and will be accepted until April 8, 2026. TIACA has invited industry professionals and organisations to submit nominations recognising individuals who are making contributions across the air cargo and logistics ecosystem.

Glyn Hughes, Director General of TIACA, said the agreement reflects continued cooperation between the association and HACTL in supporting talent development across the sector.

“We are deeply grateful to HACTL for their generous and continued support of the association by sponsoring the Rising Star Award for the next three years,” said Hughes. “This long-term partnership reflects a shared commitment to investing in people and ensuring our industry’s future is shaped by talented, passionate professionals. HACTL’s dedication to recognising and empowering emerging leaders sends a powerful message about the importance of developing the next generation of air cargo leaders.”