AAHK signs MoU with Qatar Airways Cargo

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The MoU is witnessed by Mable Chan (centre, 2nd row), Secretary for Transport and Logistics of the HKSAR Government; Sheikha Noora Khalifa Al-Thani (2nd right, 2nd row), Consul General of the State of Qatar in Hong Kong; Clara Wong (2nd left, 2nd row), Director-General of Civil Aviation; Vivian Cheung (1st left, 2nd row), Chief Executive Officer of AAHK; and Sheikh Jassim Bin Fahad Al-Thani (1st right, 2nd row), Vice President, Aeropolitical & Corporate Affairs of Qatar Airways.

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Qatar Airways Cargo in Hong Kong to strengthen connectivity between Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and Qatar Airways Cargo’s global network, and deepen cooperation in aviation development.

The signing of the MoU represents a further strengthened partnership between HKIA and Qatar Airways Cargo. The cargo carrier has continued to grow from strength to strength at HKIA, currently operating around 56 flights each week from HKIA to destinations across its global cargo network, utilising belly hold and freighter flights. Effective today, Qatar Airways Cargo has relocated its regional office to Hong Kong.

Building on this momentum, Qatar Airways Cargo intends on expanding its business presence in Hong Kong by increasing flight frequency and developing new routes via Hong Kong, further reinforcing HKIA’s position as the world’s leading air cargo hub.

The MoU was signed by Chapman Fong, Director, Hub Development of AAHK, and Eric Wilson, Senior Vice President Cargo Sales of Qatar Airways Cargo, and witnessed by Mable Chan, Secretary for Transport and Logistics; Sheikha Noora Khalifa Al-Thani, Consul General of the State of Qatar in Hong Kong; Clara Wong, Director-General of Civil Aviation; Vivian Cheung, Chief Executive Officer of AAHK; and Sheikh Jassim Bin Fahad Al-Thani, Vice President, Aeropolitical & Corporate Affairs of Qatar Airways.

Both parties agreed to expand HKIA’s global aviation network by further strengthening connectivity across Qatar Airways Cargo’s worldwide route network through Hong Kong, and to explore collaboration in areas including operational excellence and service enhancement, sustainable development, and talent development through courses offered by the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy.

As more airlines are deepening their engagement at HKIA, the air cargo community will be able to capitalise on the region’s substantial demand and the growth opportunities at HKIA.

Mable Chan, Secretary for Transport and Logistics, said, “I welcome Qatar Airways Cargo to establish its regional office in Hong Kong, reflecting the airline’s strong confidence in and recognition of Hong Kong’s position as an international aviation hub. Hong Kong and Qatar have long enjoyed a strong foundation of cooperation in aviation. The MoU signed today is of strategic significance and will elevate the partnership between the two places to a new level.”

Vivian Cheung, Chief Executive Officer of AAHK, said, “The MoU between AAHK and Qatar Airways Cargo marks our joint commitment to enhance air services and connectivity through HKIA. The air cargo market in the region is highly competitive. We welcome the intention of Qatar Airways Cargo to expand its business presence in Hong Kong by increasing flight frequency and developing new routes via Hong Kong. We will continue to attract and work with different airlines with a view to further strengthening our connectivity and competitiveness.”