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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.
𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: https://cargoconnect.co.in/ for latest news!
Cargo operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) are facing a series of operational challenges as airlines transition freight services from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). Industry stakeholders have raised concerns over cargo-handling capacity, manpower shortages, equipment availability, delays in customs processes and inadequate coordination, creating uncertainty for carriers ahead of the peak air-freight season. The concerns have intensified following the decision by Malta-based Challenge Group to temporarily suspend its Mumbai cargo operations. The carrier said the current operating environment at NMIA does not yet provide the reliability and certainty required to maintain its services. Challenge Group had shifted its freighter operations to NMIA following the mandatory transition from CSMIA. According to Challenge Group, cargo-handling bottlenecks have affected both inbound and outbound operations. The airline's Chief Commercial Officer Or Zak highlighted constraints involving dollies, cargo availability and warehouse processes. He said a substantial volume of inbound cargo was waiting on dollies, limiting the ability to offload arriving aircraft, while export shipments were at times not ready, incorrectly built or awaiting release. The resulting bottlenecks could leave freighters departing with significantly reduced loads or, in some cases, without cargo. Customs brokers have separately flagged serious delays at the NMIA cargo complex. The Brihanmumbai Customs Brokers’ Association (BCBA) has reported instances of flight-checking delays exceeding 72 hours, along with shortages of operational manpower, loaders, forklifts, trained equipment operators and supervisory personnel. The association has also raised concerns about delays in registration and Permanent Deposit account opening, which can hold up cargo clearance even after shipments are ready for customs processing. Cargo storage has emerged as another concern, with the BCBA reporting instances of import consignments, including heavy and high-value shipments, being exposed to rain. The association has called for better covered storage, stronger cargo-handling procedures, adequate staffing and equipment, and faster resolution of operational grievances. The timing of these challenges is particularly significant as air cargo volumes enter the traditional peak season. Industry bodies and freight forwarders have indicated that the problems are not isolated, pointing to recurring delays in flight checking, cargo handling and account registration since freighter operations began at NMIA. Despite the hurdles, NMIA remains strategically important for Mumbai’s long-term aviation and logistics ecosystem. Several international freighter operators have already operated flights to the airport, while incentives such as landing-fee discounts are being offered to strengthen international cargo connectivity. For NMIA to establish itself as a competitive air cargo hub, industry stakeholders say operational readiness will need to catch up with the airport’s infrastructure capacity, particularly across ground handling, warehousing, customs coordination and cargo-flow management. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Central Asia is strengthening its position as an emerging air cargo bridge between Asia and Europe, with airlines, airports, logistics providers and regulators increasingly focused on building stronger connections with China, Europe and the Middle East. The shift was a key theme at the Central Asia Aviation Cargo Summit, held in Tashkent on September 30 and October 1, 2026, which brought together 340 representatives from across the aviation and logistics ecosystem. The region’s growing relevance is supported by a significant expansion in air cargo volumes. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Central Asia’s air cargo volumes more than doubled between 2019 and 2024. Kazakhstan remained the region’s leading gateway, with volumes increasing 149% over the period, while Uzbekistan recorded even faster growth of 182%, supported by infrastructure investment. The summit highlighted that Central Asia’s ambitions are extending beyond simply adding aircraft capacity. Airlines and airports are increasingly looking at how airfreight can be integrated with road and rail networks to create more efficient multimodal corridors. Representatives from Silk Way West Airlines, Saudia Cargo and DHL Global Forwarding discussed opportunities to strengthen connections linking Central Asia with China, Europe, the Middle East and other major markets. Digitalisation and Standards Gain Importance Digital transformation emerged as another critical component of the region’s cargo development. An IATA roundtable brought together representatives from IATA, Lufthansa Cargo, Qatar Airways, Centrum Air/My Freighter and Uzbekistan’s Customs Committee to discuss international standards, certification, ONE Record, cargo connectivity and regulatory modernisation. For Central Asian markets seeking deeper integration with global supply chains, improved data exchange and greater alignment with international cargo standards could help reduce manual processes and improve shipment visibility. The summit also examined artificial intelligence, cargo terminal automation and cybersecurity as technologies that could support higher volumes and more efficient operations. Airports Compete for Eurasian Cargo Flows Tashkent, Almaty and Navoi are increasingly positioning themselves as important gateways within the emerging Eurasian cargo network. Tashkent Airport and Navoi International Airport presented their cargo development strategies and infrastructure plans at the summit, while an industry panel examined the competitive and complementary roles of regional airports. The discussions covered scheduled and charter services, ACMI operations, express logistics, GSSA services, digital platforms and airport infrastructure. Flexible capacity is expected to remain important as cargo flows evolve and airlines respond to changing demand across Eurasian trade lanes. E-Commerce Adds Momentum The expansion of cross-border e-commerce is also creating new opportunities for Central Asian air cargo. Perishables, high-value shipments and express consignments are generating demand for faster customs processes, specialised handling and reliable last-mile delivery. The summit also addressed workforce development, highlighting the need for skilled professionals as airlines, airports and logistics companies expand their operations. Training, recruitment and operational expertise will therefore remain critical alongside investment in terminals, aircraft and digital infrastructure. Central Asia’s air cargo proposition is consequently evolving from a transit-focused model towards a broader logistics ecosystem. With rising cargo volumes, new infrastructure, stronger multimodal connections and greater adoption of digital standards, the region is seeking to convert its geographic position between East and West into a sustainable competitive advantage. The next phase will depend on how effectively airlines, airports, customs authorities and logistics providers translate these investments and partnerships into new routes, efficient cargo handling and dependable Eurasian trade corridors. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Cathay Cargo has introduced an AI-assisted screening capability designed to help customers identify potential permit and trade-control requirements earlier in the air cargo shipment process, strengthening compliance as international trade regulations become increasingly complex. The new digital capability uses artificial intelligence-assisted language analysis to assess shipment information against relevant trade-control requirements covering imports, exports and transhipments. Unlike conventional screening processes that depend largely on keyword matching, the system is designed to interpret the context of goods descriptions and identify potential links to applicable control-list requirements. The additional layer of digital screening is intended to give shippers greater visibility of regulatory obligations before cargo enters Cathay Cargo’s network. It can also help reduce the risk of shipment delays or disruptions arising from unidentified compliance requirements. However, shippers remain responsible for providing accurate and complete cargo declarations, while human oversight continues to be an integral part of the process. Cathay Cargo Director Cargo Dominic Perret said: “As global trade requirements continue to evolve, what customers value most is certainty — knowing that obligations are identified before a shipment moves, not after. Leveraging this new AI-assisted screening and clearer operational context for our frontline teams, Cathay Cargo is strengthening our ability to identify potential compliance requirements earlier, keep information accurate throughout the shipment journey, and facilitate safe, reliable and responsible cargo movement.” Alongside the AI capability, Cathay Cargo has redesigned its frontline display to present screening alerts and regulatory information more clearly. Operational teams can see why a shipment has been flagged and determine the follow-up action required, enabling them to prioritise alerts and address potential compliance issues before cargo moves through the network. The initiative builds on Cathay Cargo’s broader digitalisation and AI strategy. The carrier already uses AI-assisted technologies in areas including lithium-battery screening, predictive safety analysis and AI-enhanced CCTV at its cargo terminals. Perret added: “Through digital innovation and AI, Cathay Cargo continues to set the new industry standards that will shape the future of air cargo. The value of this enhancement is in how dense regulatory requirements are made clearer and more actionable for our people. Pairing digital intelligence with operational expertise creates better outcomes for customers, regulators and the wider air cargo community. We will continue to enhance the capability through operational feedback and compliance reviews.” As global trade controls continue to evolve, Cathay Cargo said it will further refine the screening capability through operational feedback and compliance reviews, reinforcing its focus on secure, compliant and efficient cargo movement. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
