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Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) is intensifying its sustainability and cargo safety initiatives as global supply chains increasingly demand greener, more resilient and technology-enabled logistics infrastructure. According to Hactl’s annual Sustainability Report 2025, the company’s latest investments in intelligent cargo screening, autonomous electric vehicles and sustainable terminal operations signal a broader transformation of air cargo handling from a traditional warehouse function into a critical supply chain resilience strategy.
At the centre of Hactl’s latest move is the Phase 2 rollout of its intelligent cargo thermal detection system at SuperTerminal 1 in Hong Kong. The enhanced system now scans cargo during acceptance as well as prior to aircraft loading, creating what the company calls a “double layer” of protection against high-risk shipments such as lithium batteries. The technology combines thermal imaging, artificial intelligence, data analytics and fluid mechanics to detect abnormal temperatures in real time and trigger alerts before incidents escalate.
For global supply chains, the implications are significant. Lithium battery shipments continue to rise sharply due to booming electric vehicle, electronics and e-commerce sectors. However, battery-related fires remain one of the biggest operational risks in air freight logistics. By investing in predictive monitoring and dedicated storage infrastructure, Hactl aims to reduce disruption risks across the cargo chain while improving reliability for airlines, freight forwarders and shippers.
Hactl’s sustainability strategy extends well beyond cargo safety. Under its Green Terminal Programme, the company has committed to reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50 percent by 2030 against a 2018 baseline. The company has already deployed renewable diesel initiatives, energy-efficient lighting systems, digitalisation projects and terminal-wide waste reduction programmes as part of its decarbonisation roadmap.
Automation is also emerging as a major pillar of Hactl’s supply chain strategy. The company recently introduced Autonomous Electric Tractors (AETs) for ramp operations at Hong Kong International Airport. The vehicles, equipped with LiDAR sensors, HD cameras and AI-powered navigation systems, are designed to improve operational efficiency while reducing emissions and labour dependency in airport logistics.
Industry analysts note that sustainability in air cargo is no longer limited to carbon reduction alone. Supply chains today require terminals that can simultaneously deliver operational continuity, cargo integrity, digital visibility and regulatory compliance. Hactl’s integrated approach reflects this shift, particularly as pharmaceutical cargo, perishables, lithium batteries and cross-border e-commerce place greater pressure on air logistics infrastructure.
The company’s long-term strategy aligns with Hong Kong’s broader ambition to reinforce its position as a leading global air cargo hub amid intensifying regional competition. Investments in multimodal logistics connectivity, automation and green infrastructure are expected to strengthen Hong Kong’s role in Asia-Pacific supply chains over the coming decade.
As supply chains become increasingly time-sensitive and sustainability-driven, Hactl’s latest initiatives highlight how cargo terminal operators are evolving into strategic enablers of secure, resilient and environmentally responsible global trade.
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New Delhi, 6 June 2026: Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) today officially launched the ACFI Innovatopia Awards 2026 during a Press Conference held at the DIAL Auditorium, New Udaan Bhawan, New Delhi. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from industry leaders, aviation and logistics stakeholders, innovation experts, and members of the media fraternity. The ACFI Innovatopia Awards 2026 have been instituted as a flagship industry recognition platform to celebrate and reward outstanding achievements in innovation, technology adoption, operational excellence, customer-centricity, safety, security, sustainability, and business transformation across the aviation and air cargo ecosystem. Addressing the gathering, the President– Mr Sanjiv Edward, the Vice President– Mr Ramesh Mamidala, and the Chairman of the Task Pillar on Knowledge, Innovation, and Research of ACFI, Mr Keku Gazder, together emphasized that innovation has emerged as the cornerstone for building a future-ready, resilient, efficient, and globally competitive aviation and logistics sector. After successfully completing the first two editions, in its third year, these Awards aim to encourage organizations and professionals to develop and implement innovative solutions that enhance service delivery, optimize operational performance, strengthen safety standards, improve sustainability outcomes, and create greater value for customers and stakeholders. Speaking on the occasion, ACFI leadership stated that the rapidly evolving air cargo and aviation landscape demands continuous innovation and collaboration to meet emerging challenges and capitalize on new opportunities. The Innovatopia Awards will serve as a benchmark for excellence and a catalyst for promoting industry-wide adoption of best practices and transformational initiatives. Nominations are now open under the following categories: Innovatopia Award for Enhanced Customer Experience Innovatopia Award in Competitiveness Innovatopia Award in Air Cargo Safety & Security Innovatopia Award in Digitization Innovatopia Award in Sustainability & Go Green Efforts The Awards are open to organizations, institutions, start-ups, professionals, and industry stakeholders who have demonstrated measurable impact through innovative initiatives and excellence in their respective domains. The last date for submission of nominations is 30th June 2026. Interested participants are encouraged to submit their entries and showcase innovations that are contributing to the advancement of India's aviation and air cargo industry. ACFI expressed its sincere appreciation to the media fraternity for their continued support in promoting industry development initiatives and reaffirmed its commitment to fostering innovation, knowledge-sharing, collaboration, skill development, and sustainable growth across the aviation and logistics ecosystem. The winners of the ACFI Innovatopia Awards 2026 will be felicitated during the prestigious ACFI World Conclave 2026, scheduled to be held in August 2026, bringing together senior policymakers, industry leaders, global experts, and stakeholders from across the air cargo and logistics value chain. About Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) is the premier national association representing stakeholders across the aviation and air cargo logistics value chain, including airports, cargo terminal operators, airlines, freight forwarders, customs brokers, express operators, technology providers, and allied service organizations. ACFI works closely with government agencies and industry stakeholders to promote policy advocacy, innovation, skill development, capacity building, and sustainable growth for strengthening India's position as a global logistics and aviation hub. Media Contact Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) Email: ACFISecretariat@acfi.in Website: www.acfi.in
Airline representation and aviation services provider Group Concorde has introduced a new corporate identity, reflecting the company's expanding international presence and broader business scope across aviation and logistics markets. The rebranding reflects the company's transformation from a regional freight forwarding business into a diversified aviation and logistics group with operations across multiple markets. The move comes as the company strengthens its presence in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and other international regions. Headquartered in Gurugram, India, Group Concorde has expanded its activities beyond traditional cargo services to include airline representation, general sales and service functions, airport services and other aviation-related businesses. The company says the updated brand identity is intended to provide a unified image across its network of offices and business units. Over the years, the organisation has established operations in several countries and built partnerships with airlines, airports and logistics stakeholders. Its growth strategy has focused on expanding service offerings while increasing its geographic reach in key aviation markets. The refreshed branding includes a new visual identity designed to represent the company's broader scope of operations and international ambitions. The company said the change reflects its current position in the market and its plans for future growth across aviation and logistics sectors. Industry observers note that rebranding initiatives have become increasingly common among aviation service providers seeking to consolidate multiple business lines under a single corporate identity as they expand into new markets. Group Concorde indicated that it will continue to focus on strengthening its aviation and logistics capabilities while pursuing opportunities for growth across existing and emerging markets. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
Air cargo demand increased by 4% in April 2026 compared to last year, as trade by air kept supply chains moving amid disruptions. Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), rose by 4.0% compared to April 2025 levels for international operations. However, capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), fell by 0.4% compared to April 2025 and by 0.9% for international operations. “Air cargo demand grew 4% year-on-year in April, driven by strong Asia-linked trade flows. But this positive news masks a more complex operating environment. Severe disruption at major Gulf hubs due to the war in the Middle East continued to reshape trade routes and constrain capacity on key corridors. With dedicated freighters carrying much of the growth, air cargo is once again keeping supply chains moving amid trade disruptions. The coming months will test how well the sector can absorb continued geopolitical uncertainty and elevated operating costs,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. He added that dedicated freighters are carrying much of the growth, helping air cargo keep supply chains moving amid trade disruptions. "The coming months will test how well the sector can absorb ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and high operating costs," he noted. Global trade fell by 2.1% month-on-month in March, following four consecutive months of growth, showing the vulnerability of trade to geopolitical shocks. Jet fuel prices spiked in April, rising 121.1% year-on-year, alongside a 77.7% increase in crude oil prices. Regionally, Asia-Pacific airlines experienced a 10.5% year-on-year growth in air cargo demand in April, the highest rise among all regions. Capacity increased by 5.3% year-on-year. Middle Eastern carriers were the hardest hit, facing an 18.2% year-on-year drop in air cargo demand in April, the weakest performance among all regions. Capacity declined by 22.9% year-on-year. For more such news and updates, visit CARGOCONNECT.
