Cathay Pacific’s procedures at Hong Kong International Airport have come under scrutiny after after one of 13 bags containing NZ$1 million (US$660,235) went missing during transfer from an aircraft to the cargo terminal.
The incident happened on Friday night when a luggage box labeled ‘G4S International’ – a UK security firm – carrying 13 cash bags with about NZ$10 million was bound for the Bank of China. The money was reportedly transferred to the Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal from the aircraft by trailer, without security personnel. When it arrived at Cathay’s terminal, only 10 bags remained. The transportation service is provided by Hong Kong Airport Services – a wholly owned subsidiary of Cathay Pacific.

Police have examined CCTV video that showed two bags fell out of the trailer when it went around a corner, as the wires that tied the box together had come undone. The footage did not capture what happened to the third bag. Two bags were recovered on the tarmac, but one with NZ$1 million remains missing. Police have listed the case as theft and said it is still under investigation.
The airline said: “Cathay Pacific transported a valuable cargo shipment last Friday night to Hong Kong. Upon arrival it was transferred to the cargo terminal where part of the shipment was found missing. As the case is under police investigation, we are unable to provide further details.”