The Airport Authority leverages the trend of domestic enterprises going overseas to take off again, stating that companies are not only focusing on Europe and the United States, but also accelerating the exploration of new markets such as the Middle East

Under the wave of domestic enterprises going overseas, the world is promoting companies to move from a "single market" to a "global layout." Hong Kong International Airport, with its leading global cargo handling capacity, extensive international route network, and close connection with the Greater Bay Area, has become an important hub for domestic enterprises to connect with the world, facilitating the flow of people, logistics, trade, and capital. In an interview with Sing Tao Daily, the Executive Director of the Airport Authority, Chen Zhengsi, stated that today, companies are no longer just focusing on traditional markets like North America and Europe, but are accelerating their expansion into emerging markets such as the Middle East and Eastern Europe as the "Belt and Road" initiative progresses. Cargo Handling Capacity Increased to 10 Million Tons To support the large-scale overseas expansion of domestic enterprises, the airport's own capacity and efficiency are crucial. Chen Zhengsi pointed out that the three-runway system at Hong Kong International Airport will be operational by November 2024, with a total passenger volume of 61 million last year, a year-on-year increase of 15%, and a cargo volume of 5.07 million tons. Looking ahead, the airport will have the capacity to accommodate 120 million passengers and handle 10 million tons of cargo annually, providing ample capacity support for enterprises going overseas. To further expand route coverage, the airport will also launch the "Air Network Expansion Plan" in 2024, which has already attracted 32 airlines and over 80 routes to participate, as well as increasing flight frequencies and opening multiple new destinations. In addition, Hong Kong International Airport has signed memorandums of cooperation with airport authorities in Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and other countries, and supports and collaborates with the government to reach aviation agreements with countries in Europe, West Africa, and Latin America, continuously improving the global route network. Dongguan Airport Center Saves Significant Time With the increasing demand for connectivity in the Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong International Airport launched the "Transfer Parking Lot" at the end of last year. Chen Zhengsi introduced that residents of the Greater Bay Area can drive to the "Transfer Parking Lot" next to the airport via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, allowing them to enter the airport's restricted area directly without going through Hong Kong immigration procedures. The automated parking system further enhances the passenger experience. In terms of cargo, about 70% of international air cargo in the Greater Bay Area is handled by Hong Kong International Airport, so the airport has established the "Hong Kong International Airport Dongguan Airport Center" to provide innovative cross-border sea-air intermodal services, extending the services of Hong Kong International Airport into the manufacturing hub. Goods can complete security checks, receipt, and palletizing procedures in Dongguan before being shipped directly to Hong Kong International Airport. This "sea-air cargo intermodal model" shortens the delivery time at the Dongguan Airport Center to 14 hours before flight departure, significantly improving operational efficiency and enhancing international competitiveness. By 2025, the cargo value processed through the Dongguan Airport Center is expected to reach 33 billion yuan, doubling from 2024. The Airport Authority anticipates that after the permanent facilities of the Hong Kong International Airport Dongguan Airport Center are operational in 2027, the annual handling capacity will reach 1 million tons; by then, the delivery time will also be further shortened to 9 hours before flight departure, which is expected to save enterprises one-third of the time and half of the logistics costs. To promote the digitalization of Hong Kong's air cargo industry, the Airport Authority launched the Hong Kong International Airport Cargo Data Platform in 2021, utilizing blockchain and smart contract technology to integrate supply chain data, providing a comprehensive information portal for stakeholders such as freight forwarders and airlines, achieving paperless operations In addition, the Airport Authority is also involved in the Hong Kong Monetary Authority's CargoX project, which, after obtaining the consent of cargo owners or freight forwarders, provides reliable logistics data to banks, credit data service providers, etc., significantly simplifying the financing process for small and medium-sized enterprises, contributing to the modernization of Hong Kong's trade finance ecosystem. Moreover, Hong Kong International Airport itself is an important scene for mainland technology companies going overseas. The airport currently operates large-scale use of unmanned driving technology on the tarmac, including various tasks such as baggage transportation, cargo delivery, patrolling, and employee pick-up. This system, suitable for airport use, was jointly developed by Hong Kong Airport and a mainland startup several years ago. Today, this unmanned vehicle technology has been exported to overseas airports in Doha, Singapore, etc., and is also applied in mainland airports, forming a virtuous cycle of going overseas from Hong Kong and then benefiting the mainland. Related news: The airport received 61 million passengers last year, an increase of 15% year-on-year, with passenger volume exceeding 200,000 on 8 days in December. Cross-border E-commerce and Fresh Goods as Important Growth Points As the ecosystem for mainland enterprises going overseas matures, the variety of goods transported through Hong Kong International Airport is becoming increasingly diverse. Chen Zhengsi pointed out that e-commerce is a major trend in global trade, and cross-border e-commerce is one of the important growth points for the airport. It has currently attracted international logistics giants such as DHL, UPS, and Cainiao to settle in, with DHL's Central Asia hub located at Hong Kong International Airport having an annual processing capacity of over 1 million tons, and the new UPS hub expected to be operational by 2028, with an estimated annual processing capacity of nearly 1 million tons. Fresh goods are another major area. According to her, Hong Kong International Airport is the world's first airport to obtain all CEIV certifications from the International Air Transport Association, including pharmaceutical cold chain, fresh goods, live animals, and lithium batteries; the airport's smart cold chain facilities are equipped with over 30 mobile refrigerated trailers, enabling full-process temperature control. In April last year, it launched the "Fresh Food Express Line," transporting imported fresh fruits and seafood to the mainland via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, achieving a 16-hour arrival of Australian lobsters at a restaurant in Guangzhou from overseas. In the future, it will also be applied to fresh goods going overseas from the mainland, helping more high-value-added agricultural products reach the world. In addition, many mainland mobile phone brands are also going overseas. She mentioned that mobile phone brands have high production volumes and need to be quickly transported to markets around the world after production. The airport provides charter services to quickly transport mobile phones produced in Dongguan to emerging markets such as India. Related news: By 2025, Hong Kong is ranked 8th among the world's busiest international airports, with a year-on-year growth of 12%. SKYTOPIA Creates a New Model for Investment Promotion On the other hand, the Airport Authority launched the airport city development project SKYTOPIA last year, creating a world-class destination that integrates art, culture and tourism, yachting, and entertainment. Key projects include the construction of the largest yacht harbor in Hong Kong; the development of the second phase of the AsiaWorld-Expo, building the largest indoor performance venue in Hong Kong that can accommodate 20,000 people; and planning the construction of supporting projects such as art storage. Chen Zhengsi stated that these diversified projects not only attract tourists but will also attract many overseas enterprises to do business. For example, in addition to the yacht docking area, the yacht harbor will also arrange seaside resort hotels, specialty dining facilities, and art shops along the coastline, creating a complete coastal economic ecosystem Related projects will be promoted through a global investment attraction model, supporting local, mainland, and overseas enterprises to jointly develop through joint ventures. Enterprises can showcase their brands here and expand international cooperation, with significant potential for business opportunities