Hong Kong Air Cargo held a grand opening ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong on April 26th, 2017, hosting more than 400 distinguished guests.
Hong Kong Air Cargo Chief Executive Officer Mr Zhong Guosong said, “We have, at last, officially obtained the Air Operator’s Certificate from the Civil Aviation Department and the Licence from the Air Transport Licensing Authority. This is the first Air Operator’s Certificate issued in Hong Kong in 12 years, and we are proud and excited about this incredible honour. At Hong Kong Air Cargo, our goal is to be rooted in Hong Kong, establish network throughout Asia, while maintaining a global vision. Reaping the benefits of China’s Belt and Road initiative, we will further implement marketing differentiation strategies to help propel Hong Kong’s air cargo industry forward.”
Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr CY Leung said: “The establishment of Hong Kong Air Cargo is an important milestone in the development of Hong Kong’s aviation and logistics industries. At the end of this year, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge will be completed and, once open, will significantly shorten the time needed to travel between the Hong Kong International Airport and cities on the West Bank of the Pearl River and Guangxi, thereby expanding the Hong Kong air cargo market. To seize the opportunity to develop Hong Kong’s aviation leasing business, the Government has submitted to the Legislative Council a draft amendment to the Inland Revenue Ordinance to provide profits tax concessions to eligible aircraft lessors and leasing agents, to promote Hong Kong’s offshore aircraft leasing activities in order to enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre and aviation hub.”
“Hong Kong is one of the world’s leading logistics cities, recording the highest cargo throughput in the world over the last few years. As a shareholder, we are very pleased about the development and accomplishments of Hong Kong Airlines, and its decision to set up Hong Kong Air Cargo to support the rapid growth of the air cargo industry and the Belt and Road Initiative,” said Xin Di, Board of HNA Group Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of HNA Tourism Group. “HNA Group is very optimistic about the future of Hong Kong and will actively support the expansion of the air cargo industry and play our part in contributing to Hong Kong’s future.”
Hong Kong International Airport’s air cargo throughput has ranked first in the world since 2010, reaching 452,000 tonnes in 2016. The air cargo industry in Hong Kong benefits from the region’s unique geographical advantage and excellent environment for business. With the new directions offered by China’s Belt and Road initiative, the industry now faces tremendous opportunities for further development. The formation of Hong Kong Air Cargo during this exciting and opportune time means that the company now bears the great responsibility of promoting the profound development of the air cargo industry in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Air Cargo’s future development will focus on building air, land and water cargo transport systems around the Hong Kong International Airport, further improving the cargo network in which Hong Kong sits as the hub. Above all, the airline will continue working toward the goal of being rooted in Hong Kong, establishing network throughout Asia, while having a global vision, helping Hong Kong take off toward a brighter tomorrow.
