On the 15th, the Secretary for Transport and Logistics of Hong Kong, Stephen Lam, published an article on Facebook stating that according to the latest data released by the International Airport Association, Hong Kong International Airport handled approximately 4.2 million metric tons of cargo and air mail last year, once again earning it the title of the busiest freight airport in the world. He said that this achievement was hard won, and it was all due to the cooperation of the industry, the Airport Authority Hong Kong (HKAA) and the SAR government to promote the development of the air cargo industry in a multi pronged way. At Hong Kong International Airport, according to the article intermediary, Lin Shixiong, the Hong Kong Airport Authority has reserved land in the southern cargo transport area of the airport to support the development of transshipment, cross-border e-commerce, and high-value temperature controlled air cargo in order to enhance the handling capacity and efficiency of different goods. In addition, the expansion project of DHL's Central Asia hub has been completed and put into operation in the first quarter of this year, with a 50% increase in cargo handling capacity; The joint venture logistics center led by logistics company Cainiao Network is expected to be completed this year and will bring an additional approximately 1.7 million tons of air cargo volume to Hong Kong International Airport annually in the future. Lin Shixiong also mentioned that the three air cargo terminals at Hong Kong International Airport have a total refrigerated storage area of approximately 7000 square meters. According to the Hong Kong Bus News, the Chairman of the Hong Kong Airport Authority, Su Zeguang, stated that the authorities are deeply proud of the airport's stable leading position. Despite the impact of the pandemic on the global aviation industry, Hong Kong International Airport cargo has remained strong in the past few years. With the continuous recovery of global air traffic and the gradual completion of multiple new cargo facilities, the Authority will continue to cooperate with business partners to consolidate Hong Kong International Airport's leading position as a world cargo hub. According to the official website of Hong Kong International Airport, since 1996, the airport has become the busiest international cargo airport in the world. The airport's cargo throughput in 2021 was 5 million tons, ranking first in the world and accounting for approximately 42% of Hong Kong's total foreign trade value, approaching HKD 4.34 trillion. Currently, the airport provides 55 freight parking spaces. According to the official website of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC), most of the air cargo is transported by both passenger and cargo compartments rather than pure cargo aircraft, and can be divided into express cargo and heavy cargo. Over the past few decades, the importance of air transportation in Hong Kong's trade has been increasing day by day. In 2021, 35% of Hong Kong's total exports and 49% of its total imports were processed by air freight, with a proportion of 23% and 31% respectively compared to 2001. The proportion has increased, and it has a great relationship with Hong Kong's excellent customs clearance efficiency and being a free port. The mainland is the largest export and import market for air cargo in Hong Kong. The customs clearance procedures in Hong Kong are simple, and coupled with the 24-hour operation of Hong Kong International Airport, it is very convenient to air transport products to the mainland through Hong Kong. Hong Kong media reported that in July 2022, the global aviation industry was severely affected by the pandemic, and Hong Kong International Airport still won the "2022 Best Airport" award at the World Air Cargo Awards. This award is considered one of the most prestigious accolades in the global air cargo industry, and the award-winning organization is selected by industry groups from the air cargo supply chain industry, logistics service companies, and suppliers. (New News Agency)