Cargo throughput at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) rose by 6.3 percent year over year in the first six months of 2014.
From January to June, HKIA saw 2.1 million tonnes of cargo. Flight movements climbed by 5.7 percent to 191,065.
In June, cargo volume showed strong 7.3 percent growth year over year to 361,000 tonnes.
HKIA said the growth in cargo throughput in June was driven mainly by transshipments and exports, which were up 17 percent and 6 percent, respectively, from a year ago. (Hactl saw a similar trend.)
During the month, cargo throughput to and from Mainland China and North America recorded the most significant growth compared to other key regions.
“The sustained growth momentum of the first half of 2014 has translated into tangible gains in passenger and cargo throughput. Two passenger destinations – Seattle and Kagoshima – and one new freight destination – Mexico City – have been added to HKIA’s extensive air network during the period,” C K Ng, acting CEO of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said. “Looking forward, we expect air traffic demand to increase moderately in the second half of the year, propelled by global economic recovery and robust regional growth, especially on the Mainland. We will continue to work closely with the airport community to maintain the highest levels of service, safety, security and efficiency.”
On a rolling 12-month basis, HKIA handled 4.3 million tonnes of cargo, representing year-on-year growth of 4.6 percent.