Future-ready: Cargo’s eco-friendly practices

On The Agenda

In a session Wednesday at the Super Terminal Expo 2024, industry leaders gathered to discuss the future of air transport and sustainability efforts as they prepare for 2025. The event featured insights from Chen Chuanren, Southeast Asia and China Editor for the Aviation Week Network’s (AWN), and Wilson Kwong, CEO of Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals (Hactl).

The morning session commenced with Chen acknowledging Hong Kong Airport’s prominent role as a global air transport hub. Named the world’s busiest cargo airport for 2023, it handled an impressive 4.3 million tonnes of cargo. With the ongoing development of the Three-Runway System, which is set to enhance the airport’s capacity to accommodate 120 million passengers and 10 million tonnes of cargo annually, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is poised to meet future demands while reinforcing its critical role in international trade and logistics.

When questioned about Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals’ strategic areas of focus moving forward, Kwong referenced a significant announcement from the acting financial secretary about the implementation of a free one-way system at the airport. This initiative marks a pivotal change in operations, further solidifying Hong Kong’s status as the world’s busiest cargo airport for 13 consecutive years, with an anticipated increased capacity to handle 10 million tonnes of cargo throughput per hour.

Kwong outlined Hactl’s commitment to four core areas: Safety, Security, Service Quality and Sustainability. He stressed that remaining relevant in the industry requires substantial investment in both infrastructure and workforce development. Since its inception in 1976, Hactl has focused on upgrading its digital and physical infrastructures to adapt to changing cargo demands.

Sustainability emerged as a central theme when Chen inquired about Hactl’s waste management initiatives. Kwong revealed that e-commerce growth has significantly influenced air cargo demand, prompting Hactl to implement waste reduction strategies. Since 2018, Hactl has successfully reduced waste generation by 23% and paper consumption by 50% through digitization efforts.

Kwong stated, “Internally, we have been upgrading and modernizing our processes to reduce the need for paper. That improves customer service and efficiency while also reducing waste. That’s very important.” He emphasized the necessity of collaboration within the industry, noting that “Hactl alone cannot achieve this ourselves. We need everyone’s support, whether it is terminal users, airline customers or other terminals.”

He said “96% of our [Hactl’s] paper and 99% of the plastic we collected from our terminal are recycled,” contributing significantly to their sustainability goals. This initiative is part of Hactl’s broader Green Terminal program, which aims to achieve a 75% waste recycling rate by 2030. Kwong’s remarks underscore the importance of collective efforts in addressing environmental challenges within the aviation sector.

Specific initiatives were highlighted, including recycling 96% of paper and 99% of plastic collected at their terminal. Kwong also shared innovative recycling projects, such as transforming old staff uniforms into teddy bears, reinforcing Hactl’s commitment to a zero-waste philosophy.

In addressing energy consumption within cargo handling, Kwong noted the installation of solar panels as part of Hactl’s green energy strategy. The company has proactively sold excess electricity back to the grid while purchasing renewable energy certificates. Moreover, the introduction of the “Green Terminal Pack” incentivizes terminal users to minimize energy consumption and waste production.

As the session drew to a close, Chen posed a question regarding how recent U.S. election results might influence air cargo operations. Kwong remarked, “I think without a doubt that the US election is one of the most watched geopolitical events right now.”

He emphasized the resilience of the air cargo industry, stating, “The air cargo industry thrives and has thrived over the years because of global trade.” He posed a critical question to attendees: “Do we think that global trade will subside or continue to grow, even with a new administration?”

His confident assertion was clear: “If you ask me, I think without a doubt that global trade will continue to thrive.” By Nadia Shaw, MDT in Hong Kong