Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Services (CPSL) is to build a third cargo transfer centre at Hong Kong International Airport improving efficiency by shortening current transfer times of eight hours to five hours, according to the Shipping Gazette.
The wholly-owned subsidiary of Cathay Pacific Airways built a new cargo terminal at the HKIA in 2013 at cost of HK$5.9 billion (US$760 million) supporting growing freight capacity by adding 2.6 million tons to increase annual capacity of 7.4 million tons.
The ability to shorten transfer times from HK average of eight hours, to include cargo receipt and warehousing arrangements, is no easy feat, said CPSL chief executive officer Algernon Yau, cited a report from Beijing's Global Times.
"Frankly speaking, it is hard to shorten it even by one hour, because it involves cooperation between different areas," he said.
He remains confident it can remain competitive despite plans by outside rivals like Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport that aim to build a business zone to boost its annual cargo transfer capacity of 2.5 million tons within six years.
"But our advantage is the laws and customs services [in Hong Kong], which will help us win more cargo business," Mr Yau added.
HKIA chief executive officer Stanley Hui said the third cargo transfer centre at Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal (CPCT), the remaining two are Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Ltd and Asia Airfreight Terminal, will enhance growing freight business in Hong Kong supported by increasing flights and companies' expansion.
The completion date for Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge in 2016 and a third runway built at Hong Kong International Airport's third runway in 2023 is likely to increase transfer of goods from mainland to Hong Kong, Mr Yau added.
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