Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is a vast aviation centre and officially the busiest cargo airport in the world. Home carrier Cathay Pacific naturally has a substantial cargo operation there, as David Priestman reports.

Half the world’s population live within five hours of Hong Kong. With 1100 daily flights to 220 destinations, and three runways, HKIA, also known as Chek Lap Kok, is a true 24/7 operation. Annual cargo capacity is 5 million tonnes, with 2023 throughput of 4.3m tonnes, which is back to pre-covid levels. This ranks HKIA above Memphis (home of FedEx), Shanghai Pudong, Anchorage (surprisingly), Incheon (Korea), Louisville (UPS base), Miami and Doha.

Amongst HKIA’s particular freight advantages are the cold chain facilities, which are IATA accredited for temperature-control. This means pharmaceutical and specialised freight can be well catered for. The airport authority also is also highly-focused on ecommerce, connectivity and digitalization.

Sensitive Handling

Tom Owen is Cargo Director for Cathay. Speaking at the ALMAC conference in Hong Kong (see pages 6-10) he set out the company’s targets. “We’re a top 5 combination cargo carrier,” he stated. Cathay Pacific utilises its own dedicated cargo fleet, including twenty Boeing 747 freighters, and its passenger aircraft belly capacity. Six new A350F have been ordered, with an option for twenty more. The company has a handling capacity of 2.7m tonnes at HKIA. “We’re focused on our ability to handle sensitive, temperature-controlled and dangerous cargo, as well as time-sensitive items,” he added. “We have a net zero target of 2050, using carbon offsetting with our ‘Fly Greener’ initiative, and already 10% of our jet fuel is sustainable (SAF).”

Cathay also owns 60% of Air Hong Kong, which operates an express cargo network to nine countries. DHL owns the other 40% stake and uses Air Hong Kong extensively for regional freight carriage (see page 46). Cathay Cargo also benefits from HKIA’s Dongguan Logistics Park, up the Pearl Delta of the Greater Bay Area in mainland China, by being able to ship manufacturer’s cargo from there directly to an airside intermodal cargo pier at the airport. Export cargo can therefore be processed upstream at a lower cost.

Cathay Cargo’s terminal at HKIA is the newest one there and eleven years old. Import and export, transhipment and cross-border land express freight is managed from here, for ULD containers and other cargo, such as pre-packed pallets (handled by a fleet of Unicarriers forklifts), special goods (including live animals), bulky and loose items. The warehouse has an impressive 2445 container storage positions, featuring Dambach cranes in the bulk store, and 170 truck docks or loading bays. With 1800 staff, including contractors, it is a 24/7 operation, every day of the year.

Getting Fresh

Cargo Terminal Chief Operating Officer, Mark Watts, explained the total cold chain solution on offer, which is secured via the usage of thermal dollies, inflatable truck door seals at the loading bay and multi-temperature cold rooms – one of which I can testify to being bracingly cold in contrast to the ambient weather here! Cathay has developed its own design ULD – ‘MobiFresh’ (pictured). Temperature in them can be remotely controlled and they feature location tracking.

“While Cathay Cargo Terminal is a 100% subsidiary of Cathay Pacific and our largest customer is the Cathay group, including Cathay Cargo, Air Hong Kong and HK Express, our terminal business is run at arms’ length from the airline side of the business and we also serve a diverse range of airlines such as ANA Cargo, China Cargo Airlines, Lufthansa Cargo, Swiss World Cargo, EgyptAir Cargo and others,” Watts told me.

An end-to-end digital import process is the goal, with business customers using online bookings and epayment methods. Lithium battery screening in the warehouse is an unique selling point for Cathay Cargo. Watts is also keen to emphasise the significant recycling of plastic wrap in the facility, which is being increased in a bid for circularity.

November 2024 tonnage was 15% higher year-on-year. Cathay Cargo observed healthy market momentum during the peak season, driven by e-commerce sales events, while the cargo load factor (a metric that measures how well a vehicle’s cargo capacity is being used) rose to 62%. There was high demand for perishables from the Americas and Southwest Pacific, with significant deliveries to Hong Kong and other regional routes in Asia. Additionally, there was an increase in tonnage for the ‘Cathay Expert’ solution due to transportation of machinery and engines, especially from Japan. November also saw the successful launch of the ‘Cathay Courier’ campaign and this year the airline is adding flights to Rome to its schedule.

similar news

Hong Kong named world’s busiest cargo airport

We have talked many times about the many advantages that a private flight offers travelers, in addition to schedule flexibility, absolute privacy, and quality travel in a comfortable and luxurious environment. But there is also another aspect that makes private jets the best option for flying: the possibility of hiring a caterer to enjoy gourmet menus during the flight.

Before arriving at destination, many travelers choose to have a meal aboard the private jet, in the ultimate comfort of the cabin of a luxury aircraft. When booking the private flight, in fact, there is the possibility of ordering exclusive courses, prepared by top star chefs.

What are the most popular gourmet dishes among discerning travelers who choose private jets for their travels? In this article we will discuss just that: the delicacies that you can enjoy before arriving at your destination.

Examples of Gourmet Menus for a Private Flight

Every detail of private jet catering is customizable-from hors d’oeuvres to desserts to fine wine and champagne selections. PrivateJetfinder has a list of starred restaurants, luxury caterers, and private chefs available to provide an unparalleled dining experience.

Excellent breakfast

• Handmade croissants and pain au chocolat with French butter
• Organic eggs Benedict with hollandaise sauce and black truffle
• Seasonal fresh fruit accompanied by Greek yogurt and Manuka honey
• Cappuccino with oat milk or selection of fine teas

Fine dining

• Carpaccio of wagyu with 36-month parmesan shavings and white truffle
• Saffron risotto with Mazara del Vallo red prawns
• Steamed fillet of sea bass with wild asparagus and citrus sauce
• Tasting of French and Italian cheeses with artisanal mustards
• Wines: Dom Pérignon Vintage or Château Margaux

Exclusive dinner

• Belon oysters and Oscietra caviar with blinis and crème fraîche
• Catalan-style blue lobster with citrus salad
• Kobe fillet with Amarone wine reduction and purple mashed potatoes
• Valrhona chocolate fondant with warm heart and Bourbon vanilla ice cream
• Champagne Krug Grand Cuvée or Sassicaia Bolgheri

The choice of catering on private jets

One of the unique benefits of private flying is the ability to request customized dishes, whether for dietary needs or culinary preferences. Whether it is a vegan, keto, halal or gluten-free diet, the catering team can accommodate any request.

How to order gourmet catering aboard a private jet with PrivateJetFinder

Have you chosen your destination, your favorite private jet, and now want to have lunch or dinner in the plane’s exclusive cabin? Ordering a gourmet menu on a private jet is a simple and highly customizable process. Here are the main steps:

1. Flight Reservation – When booking your private jet, you can specify your dietary preferences and dietary requirements.
2. Menu Selection – If requested, PrivateJetfinder staff will provide the list of culinary options curated by renowned chefs. You can choose from pre-prepared dishes or request a customized menu.
3. Collaboration with Chefs and Catering – It is possible to select dishes prepared by Michelin-starred restaurants or to have a personal chef on board.
4. Order Timing – To ensure maximum freshness and quality, orders must be confirmed at least 24-48 hours in advance.
5. Onboard Service – Once on board, the crew will take the utmost care in service, ensuring an impeccable dining experience

Enjoying a gourmet menu in a private jet makes the trip into a memorable experience. The combination of the exclusivity of high-end cuisine and the comfort of the private plane cabin turns every trip into a pleasure for the palate and the spirit: practically into a delicious journey.

Read also: HOW ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS AFFECT PRIVATE JET FLIGHTS

With International Women’s Day being tomorrow, Saturday 8th March, we received advice from women working in the logistics sector, including Menzies, Dexory and three of Yodel‘s team.

Michalina Zielinska (pictured, top), Shift Manager, Hatfield Sort Centre, says: “Women in logistics should always support and build a positive work environment by actively listening to colleagues and appreciating diverse perspectives. My experience as a woman in in the logistics industry has taught me the importance of being confident and assertive, navigating challenges with resilience, and always seeking to elevate those around me. Remember that your unique perspective as a female in operations can bring valuable insights to the table! Always strive to be a role model for other women entering the field and believe in yourself when opportunities come along.”

Oana Jinga, CC&PO and co-founder at Dexory

Oana Jinga, Dexory

“This International Women’s Day we celebrate the women who drive innovation, break barriers and lead with purpose. At Dexory we know diverse leadership isn’t just important – it is essential for shaping the future of business. Empowering women in leadership roles and in STEM careers fosters fresh perspectives, stronger teams and better decision making.

“Where it is widely recognised diversity is essential for innovation, these conversations need to go beyond rhetoric. There is still a growing need to make the industry more attractive and accessible to women and girls. There are many wonderful technological breakthroughs taking place, but it is important women working on these innovations are visible and their achievements are celebrated.”

Juliet Thomson, Chief People Officer, Menzies Aviation, said: “At Menzies Aviation, we understand that diverse leadership drives innovation, enhances decision-making and strengthens company culture. Achieving 25% representation of women in our senior leadership community is an important step, but we recognise there is more work to be done. Diversity is not just a goal, it is a business imperative, and by continuing to break barriers, we can create a future where leadership truly reflects the diversity of our workforce and the communities we operate in. We remain committed to advancing gender equity and building an even more inclusive workplace for all.”

Lara Piggott, Director of Planning and Business Control at Yodel, says: “Within our current operational team, there is no gender divide, hard work and results are rewarded, and I’m not treated any differently to my male colleagues. I’m just part of the team. My advice to any other women looking to forge a career in Logistics is to firstly be authentic, it’s something that will stand you apart. Work hard and don’t be afraid to ask for more responsibility with the associated benefits and try to push aside those imposter syndrome niggles. Logistics is a great industry to work in, you won’t regret it.”

Claudia Chirila, Yodel

Finally, Claudia Chirila, PM Team Manager, Hatfield Sort Centre, commented: “The logistics industry has showed me that not only men but also women can thrive and bring unique perspectives to drive innovation. My advice to other women looking to work in this industry is to be confident, keep learning, and build a strong support network. Persistence and expertise speak louder than any stereotypes, so remember to believe in yourself and never hesitate to take on new challenges. The logistics industry is evolving all the time, and more women are stepping into leadership roles. Our presence is making a difference, so be yourself and show yourself – you can do it!”

similar news

2018 FTA everywoman in Transport & Logistics Winners Revealed

In this article, battery technology leader EnerSys says transitioning to electric equipment can help strengthen sustainability and customer relationships.

With a recent Forbes report revealing 67% of companies plan to hold supply chains accountable for environmental key performance indicators, sustainability has become a critical priority for businesses aiming to align with their customers’ requirements.

For industrial operations that utilise forklift equipment, adopting resourceefficient technologies is an essential step toward achieving these goals and maintaining customer relationships. Advances in battery technologies are changing how companies transform their material handling equipment – becoming more sustainable and strengthening compliance with their customer delivery and sustainability requirements.

Driving Sustainability & Productivity

As recently as a few years ago, forklift equipment with strenuous hours, special attachments and other demanding conditions needed to be powered via combustion, as traditional lead-acid batteries fell short of the energy capability to support them. But recent advancements in battery technology now deliver the performance needed for demanding applications, providing the option
to become more sustainable while improving productivity.

By eliminating combustion equipment, operations can reduce dramatically their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by over 50% while also eliminating byproducts such as contaminated drivetrain lubricants, filters and coolant. While productivity is improved by replacing LPG tank changing during working times with opportunity charging batteries when equipment is not being used anyway.

LPG tank changes can take up to 15-20 minutes, depending on a variety of factors. That roughly amounts to an additional operator break per shift or 45-60 non-productive minutes per day in a three-shift operation. How many pallet moves or picks would that cost your operation? How much productivity is this costing you when you consider the size of your fleet and working days?

Using routine quiet periods to simply plug-in and recharge your batteries keeps your working time focused on actual work, better positioning you to align on both your customer’s delivery and sustainability goals.

Battery Choices

Picking the optimal battery technology for your forklift operations depends on having the widest breadth of choices; EnerSys says it is the only source of all three major battery technologies for material handling applications – including traditional lead-acid and maintenance-free options.

Battery Technology

It describes its traditional lead-acid batteries as some of the hardest-working in the industry. From its standard Perfect Plus batteries to its low-maintenance Water Less batteries and hard-running
IRONCLAD batteries, EnerSys says you can expect solid performance and years of productive service life. Powering your electric equipment with its flooded batteries also provides a solid initial step towards sustainability by reducing your GHG emissions by over 50%.

If your operations aim to enhance energy efficiency while eliminating battery maintenance concerns, EnerSys says its NexSys battery portfolio offers two powerful solutions: NexSys Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) batteries and NexSys iON lithium-ion batteries, each tailored to meet the specific energy demands of your equipment. For light and medium-duty applications, NexSys TPPL provides a great maintenance-free option and solid performance. NexSys TPPL batteries are also more energy efficient and can reduce your energy costs and GHG emissions an additional 10% versus traditional flooded lead-acid batteries, according to EnerSys.

In demanding, heavy-duty applications, EnerSys believes the outstanding energy performance of its NexSys iON batteries are a superb fit. With multiple configurations and a dual-cable option for faster recharging, NexSys iON batteries are ready to handle high lifts, long runs, heavy loads and specialised attachments. NexSys iON batteries are the most energy efficient batteries in its
portfolio, reducing GHG emissions an additional 12% versus traditional leadacid batteries.

If reducing water consumption is part of your sustainability requirements, both NexSys TPPL and NexSys iON batteries also eliminate watering – saving up to 676 gallons of water per year for each battery versus traditional flooded lead acid.

Energizing The Future

By investing in electric forklift equipment with advanced battery technologies, supply chains not only fulfill environmental responsibilities, but also help bolster their customer relationships. Thus, deployment of sustainable technologies paves the way for both productive operations and relationships in a world increasingly conscious of environmental impact.

similar news

EnerSys to Offer Lithium-ion Options in NexSys Range

Warsaw, the capital of Poland, is a major destination for both business and tourism. If you wish to reach this fascinating city without compromising on comfort and privacy, private jets are the ideal solution. With a wide range of aircraft options and exclusive services, landing in Warsaw aboard private jets means enjoying a stress-free trip tailored to your needs.

Airports for Private Jets in Warsaw

The city is served by two main airports that offer dedicated facilities for private flights:

• Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW): Poland’s main airport, equipped with VIP terminals, exclusive lounges and FBO services to maximize the comfort of private travelers.
• Warsaw Modlin Airport (WMI): A less busy alternative option, ideal for those wishing to avoid commercial air traffic and reduce waiting times.

Best Private Jets to Reach Warsaw

The choice of jet depends on the distance, the number of passengers and the level of luxury desired. Here are some of the best private jets to get to Warsaw recommended by PrivateJetFinder:

Lightweight Jets (Perfect for Short Flights in Europe)

• Cessna Citation M2-Autonomy of 2,870 km, ideal for flights from London, Paris or Milan.
• Embraer Phenom 300 – Comfortable and fast, 3,650 km range.
• Pilatus PC-24 – Versatile jet capable of operating on shorter runways.

Medium-Sized Jet (More Comfort and Greater Autonomy)

• Cessna Citation XLS+ – Popular for business travel, range of 3,889 km.
• Bombardier Learjet 75 – Luxurious cabin and high speed, range 3,778 km.
• Hawker 900XP – Perfect for medium-range flights with an excellent range (4,630 km).

Large Jet (Intercontinental Flights and Extreme Luxury)

• Gulfstream G650 – Autonomy of over 12,000 km, ideal for flights from Dubai or New York.
• Bombardier Global 6000 – Superior luxury and long range (11,000 km).
• Dassault Falcon 8X – Perfect for transoceanic flights with spacious and refined cabins.

Most popular routes to Warsaw by Private Jet

Recently, we have noticed, the exponential growth of Warsaw’s importance among European destinations. More and more clients are contacting us to charter private jets to reach Warsaw from Europe and from all over the world. The Polish capital is becoming one of the most sought-after destinations for luxury tourism and business travel.

Here are some of the most popular routes to Warsaw on PrivateJefinder:

Exclusive services on board private jets

Flying by private jet means having access to an unparalleled travel experience. Some of the services available include:

• Spacious cabins with reclining leather seats
• Gourmet catering with customized menu
• High-speed Wi-Fi and advanced entertainment systems
• VIP terminal access for quick check-in and boarding

Rent private jets to Warsaw with PrivateJetFinder

Chartering private jets to Warsaw and any other destination with PrivateJetFinder is the best choice for luxury travel in the utmost comfort and safety.

• Flexibility: Decide on departure and arrival times and airports.
• Privacy and Comfort: No waiting, confidential check-in and an exclusive environment.
• Efficiency: Land at secondary airports to reduce transfer time.
• Customized Luxury: Services tailored to the needs of passengers.

If you want to have a unique and uncompromising travel experience, chartering a private jet to Warsaw is the perfect choice. PrivateJetFinder’s staff is on 24/7 to help you with trip planning and choice of private jet and all available optional services.

Artificial intelligence (AI) will revolutionise our lives and economies in a similar way to the internet and will support software development. AI-based software will become increasingly important for both businesses and individuals. Our daily and professional lives will change, and so will the way we use software. Optimisation specialist INFORM identifies six key characteristics of this transformation.

“AI will fundamentally change the way we communicate, work and access information,” states Bernd Heinrichs, Senior Vice President Inventory & Supply Chain Division at INFORM. “Generative AI makes it possible to efficiently control and develop software using natural language and will become indispensable in everyday life as well as in the corporate world.”

INFORM identifies six ways in which AI is changing the way we interact with software in our daily lives and in business.

AI enables voice control of software

In the future, we will increasingly control software using natural language, revolutionising the use of everyday devices such as smartphones and laptops, as well as complex business software solutions. Machine learning This is information that is available in a well-defined, organised and easily accessible format, such as databases or even Excel spreadsheets. The better machines communicate using language models.

AI agents complement user interface

Whether in a business or on a personal smartphone, AI-based systems will read, analyse and evaluate information across applications according to user specifications. Whether in the enterprise or on a personal smartphone, AI-based systems will read, analyse and evaluate information across applications according to user specifications. User interfaces will be augmented by AI agents that automatically perform tasks across system boundaries. In the long term, this could lead to traditional applications, with which people interact primarily visually and haptically, fading into the background as AI-based systems dominate through natural interactions.

AI provides the basis for decisions

AI will combine, filter and prioritise knowledge and information from a wide range of sources, such as emails, chats or CRM systems, provided all privacy requirements are met. This enables instant access to relevant information on any topic. This form of intelligent knowledge management provides an indispensable basis for fast, data-based decisions, especially in business processes where the best possible decisions have to be made under time pressure.

AI supports software development

AI will play a crucial role in the future, not only for software users, but also for software developers. AI programming tools such as GitHub Copilot translate informal logic into formal code by making suggestions and completing code snippets. In this way, they accelerate development, leading to higher productivity and faster development cycles. Software developers will increasingly act as system architects, while AI takes over repetitive tasks such as testing and debugging.

AI increases the importance of software for companies

The growing power of AI in areas such as decision making and process optimisation is increasing the value of software in the enterprise. In business operations, AI is becoming increasingly effective at solving problems in areas such as optimisation, decision making, knowledge management and process automation. Process AI, as developed by INFORM, will play an increasingly important role in data-driven decision making. Fully automated, AI-based decisions could become the norm in some areas but will still need to be monitored by humans.

AI augments human intelligence

AI will augment human intelligence, not replace it. It will free humans from repetitive tasks and enable a personalised user experience by interpreting users’ intentions and responding to their preferences. AI will understand users’ intentions and be able to personalise both content and user guidance. We are already seeing this in social media and e-commerce platforms. In the future, this kind of personalisation will increasingly become standard in all software.

“With advances in artificial intelligence, software will play an even more important role. AI is opening the door to a new world of computer technology that will lead to an evolution of software,” says Heinrichs.

similar news

Key IT Advances Shaping Vehicle Logistics

Dexory aims to help its customers enter a new era of warehouse intelligence with the introduction of DexoryView, offering warehouses unparalleled real-time visibility and actionable insights.

In today’s fast-paced, high-stakes supply chain landscape, warehouses are under increasing pressure to deliver faster, more accurate, and more scalable operations. For logistics leaders, the pursuit of operational excellence begins with a simple but crucial question: How accurate and reliable is your inventory data? Without a solid foundation of stock integrity and inventory health, even the most ambitious optimisation strategies can falter.

Enter DexoryView, the ultimate warehouse intelligence platform designed to empower warehouses with unparalleled real-time visibility and actionable insights. DexoryView transforms how warehouses operate, combining cutting-edge data analytics with seamless integration into your Warehouse Management System (WMS). The result? Greater efficiency, fewer errors, and a clear pathway to operational excellence.

Before optimisation comes precision. Maintaining accurate, up-to-date records of inventory is the bedrock of any successful warehouse operation. Mismatches between system data and physical stock can lead to inefficiencies, delays, and even reputational damage. In an era where agility and precision are critical, outdated or unreliable inventory systems simply won’t cut it.

DexoryView changes the game by offering real-time, data-driven insights into stock levels, movements, and discrepancies. It not only identifies problem areas but also uncovers opportunities for improvement. Armed with trend analysis and historical data, warehouse managers can pinpoint the root causes of errors, implement corrective actions, and focus their teams on high-value tasks. By securing stock integrity, businesses can confidently scale operations and prepare for more advanced optimisation strategies.

From integrity to excellence: the optimisation opportunity

Once inventory health is established, the real potential of your warehouse can be unlocked. DexoryView’s new Optimisation Analysis Module offers a suite of advanced tools designed to tackle inefficiencies and elevate performance. Leveraging features like outbound optimiser, slotting verification, and consolidation planner, managers can ensure stock is strategically placed for rapid retrieval, compliance with guidelines, and efficient handling. Consolidation planner further amplifies space utilisation by grouping compatible items while avoiding conflicts, reducing wasted space and unnecessary travel.

These tools go beyond operational tweaks — they enable transformational change. By streamlining stock placement and handling, businesses can reduce bottlenecks, improve throughput, and align operations with ever-increasing customer expectations. Operational excellence doesn’t stop at efficiency — it drives tangible business outcomes that ripple across the supply chain. Improvements in inventory management, replenishment patterns, and slotting strategies contribute directly to on-time, in-full (OTIF) performance, reducing order delays and bolstering customer satisfaction.

Congestion analysis, a critical component of DexoryView, highlights potential flow restrictions and traffic risks within the warehouse. This proactive approach allows for layout adjustments that not only improve productivity but also ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards — key factors for internal audits and maintaining a competitive edge.

Better performance inside the warehouse translates into greater trust and loyalty from customers. Faster order turnarounds, reduced picking errors, and higher inventory accuracy create a seamless experience, helping businesses stand out in a crowded market and build long-term relationships with partners.

DexoryView doesn’t just identify inefficiencies—it helps you understand their true cost. Its impact assessment tools give logistics leaders a clear picture of where operational pain points are draining resources and holding back growth. By prioritising stock integrity and leveraging optimisation strategies, businesses can unlock measurable improvements in efficiency, customer satisfaction, and profitability.

similar news

Autonomous Robots, Data Intelligence