Wilson Kwong, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (HACTL), highlighted the value of adaptability during the May edition of our Dialogue with the General Committee.
“My first dream job was to become a bus driver, then an MTR operator,” Wilson told members. His fascination with the transport industry began in his youth, as “transport touches everyone’s lives” – after all, most food products and goods in daily life are processed at cargo terminals.
According to the Airports Council International (ACI) World, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) topped the 2024 ranking of the world’s busiest cargo airports, managing 4.9 million tonnes of cargo that year. Wilson credited this accomplishment to seamless connectivity, cutting-edge infrastructure and strong government cooperation, which collectively ensure dependable, efficient and world-class service.
“Hong Kong people should take pride in having the busiest cargo airport in such a compact city. This is an extraordinary feat, and everyone’s contribution matters,” he noted.
In a fiercely competitive market, the push for faster deliveries will not fade. To maintain its edge, the industry must monitor competitors’ strategies and seek new market prospects. While competition spurs improvement, Wilson warned against excessive rivalry, citing overseas cases where it led to diminished quality.
Staying competitive also demands ongoing investment in infrastructure and future leaders. HACTL is the first cargo terminal and logistics firm to be accredited under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework (HKQF) for its training programmes, covering specialized areas such as special and temperature-controlled cargo handling and dangerous goods awareness. Moreover, preserving global connectivity is vital, as passenger and cargo airlines are deeply interconnected.
Recognizing the revolutionary potential of AI and automation in airport operations, Wilson emphasized the continued indispensability of human skills. He pointed out that full automation remains unfeasible due to hardware constraints and the varying specifications of aircraft.
To showcase the latest innovations, he hopes to arrange a site visit for members that would include demonstrations of HKIA’s autonomous baggage transfer system and HACTL’s intelligent cargo thermal detection system.
Looking ahead, he expressed his optimism regarding Hong Kong’s ability to manage increasing cargo volumes and enhance throughput. Although HACTL currently operates exclusively in Hong Kong, Wilson expects future growth overseas. By maintaining the highest standards to deliver safe and professional services, he is confident that Hong Kong will continue to uphold its leadership in the industry.