WEEKLY NEWS


AIR CARG O WEEK


pharmaceuticals, the company launched AAT COOLPORT in 2022, Hong Kong’s first on-airport, end-to-end temperature-controlled facility. “It has increased our cold chain handling capacity by 50 percent,” Chew notes. Another major move was the opening of AAT Dongguan at HKIA Logistics Park in early 2023. “This


brings cargo acceptance closer to the Greater Bay Area’s manufacturing and logistics hubs,” says Chew. “It enhances connectivity, reduces transit times, and strengthens our service network for the mainland market.” AAT is also deploying autonomous electric tractors across its terminals, a first in Hong Kong. “We’re optimising operations,


E-COMMERCE BOOM SEES SHIFT IN AIR PRIORITIES


BY Edward HARDY


AS Asia’s e-commerce and logistics networks accelerate, air cargo infrastructure must keep pace—AAT is doubling down on innovation, flexibility, and regional connectivity to stay ahead. Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) processed 4.9 million tonnes of cargo in 2024, reaffirming its


status as the world’s busiest airfreight hub. With this volume expected to grow, the need for terminal operators to scale efficiently and sustainably is more urgent than ever. Asia Airfreight Terminal (AAT), a SATS company, is meeting the challenge with a combination of infrastructure upgrades, automation, and network expansion. “Our phased expansions—from Terminal 1 in 1997 to Terminal 2 in 2006—reflect our commitment to


scalable growth,” says Mike Chew, chief executive officer of AAT. “Today, we’re taking strategic steps to support the anticipated growth in the Asia airfreight market.” AAT’s latest investments are wide-ranging. In response to increased demand for perishables and


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sustainability,” he adds. The company’s scalable growth approach hinges on this balance, ensuring flexibility to adapt to market shifts while minimising its environmental footprint. “Through continuous cooperation, strategic expansion, and innovative solutions,” Chew says, “we remain fully committed to advancing our industry.”


Shift in air cargo priorities Surging demand from Shein, Temu, and cross-border retail has reshaped airfreight—AAT is responding with tech-driven safety and speed. Cross-border e-commerce is no longer a niche—it’s reshaping the structure and expectations of the air cargo market. For cargo terminal operators like AAT, the pressure is on to handle higher volumes of small parcels with tighter timelines and more complex safety requirements. “The rapid growth of cross-border e-commerce has transformed air cargo demands,” Chew acknowledges.


“AAT is constantly adapting its services to cater to the specific needs of e-commerce logistics.” One of the most pressing concerns is safety. Lithium battery shipments, common in electronics orders,


pose increased risk. “We obtained the CEIV Lithium Batteries certification in 2022, becoming the first CTO in Hong Kong to do so,” Chew points out. “We’ve also established dedicated inspection counters staffed by a well-trained team, and we’ve integrated automated safety features like sensitive wording detection.” Security and screening have also become more tailored. AAT’s AAS SecurePlus—a one-stop logistics


solution operated by its subsidiary Asia Airfreight Services—has been designed specifically for e-commerce. “It provides a secure and efficient solution for our customers,” Chew says. These operational shifts are paired with a renewed emphasis on customer service flexibility. “We are


continuously enhancing and customising our services to align with our customers’ evolving needs,” he says. This includes faster turnaround times, transparent shipment tracking, and modular service packages built for high-frequency, small-parcel e-commerce. For AAT, agility is not optional. “We consistently adapt to the changing landscape of air cargo,” Chew says. “That’s how we ensure operational efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction.”


Resilience in an uncertain world With geopolitical tensions and shifting global trade routes disrupting air cargo flows, flexibility, digitisation, and proactive planning take centre stage. Global airfreight operations are being tested by shifting tariffs, regulatory uncertainty, and escalating geopolitical tensions. For AAT, staying agile and future-ready is more than a strategy—it’s a requirement. “In response to the ongoing geopolitical tensions, we’ve adopted a proactive and forward-looking approach


to ensure our operations remain resilient, flexible, and reliable,” Chew says. Central to that resilience is flexibility—in infrastructure, systems, and personnel. “Ensuring our operation


is responsive to changing demands and capable of scaling up or down quickly is crucial,” he explains. “This includes having expandable capabilities within terminals and flexible workforce management systems.” Digitisation is another pillar. “In early 2024, we became the first cargo terminal operator to deploy


autonomous electric tractors in terminal operations,” Chew notes. “We’re also preparing to fully digitalise the import collection process—from issuing electronic shipment release forms (eSRF) and online payment to integrating automatic truck dock allocation and online queuing.” Artificial intelligence is now playing a role in safety as well. “We’re trialling AI-driven systems to monitor


safety and security risks in real time,” Chew says. “This helps us mitigate incidents and maintain a safe working environment.” The company also leans on collaboration with key stakeholders. “We work closely with government


agencies, airlines, freight forwarders, and trade associations,” he adds. “This helps us anticipate challenges early and coordinate solutions effectively.” Strong communication remains a bedrock of trust. “Transparent communication with our customers and partners helps manage expectations during uncertain times,” Chew emphasises.


High-tech systems support cargo diversity From perishables to dangerous goods, AAT’s specialised facilities and automated systems are built to handle everything the market demands. AAT’s ability to manage a wide variety of cargo types is rooted in its investment in specialised facilities


and cutting-edge handling systems. With sectors like pharmaceuticals, perishables, and dangerous goods driving airfreight growth, cargo terminal flexibility is essential. “Our terminals are outfitted with specialised facilities, including COOLPORT, strong rooms, live animal


storage, and dangerous goods rooms,” Chew says. COOLPORT alone is certified with WHO GDP Pharma, IATA CEIV Pharma, and IATA CEIV Fresh, making it uniquely suited for temperature-sensitive cargo. “It allows us to cater to the unique requirements of perishable goods ranging from -28°C to 25°C.” On the hazardous cargo front, AAT’s facilities comply with international safety standards and are staffed


by trained specialists. “These specialised areas are equipped with the necessary infrastructure and protocols to handle dangerous goods in compliance with international standards,” Chew notes. Automation continues to drive efficiency. Terminal 2 houses the world’s four tallest elevating transfer


vehicles (ETVs)—each rising 43 metres and capable of 150 movements per hour. “This innovation optimises capacity utilisation and ensures swift, precise handling of cargo,” says Chew. AAT has also transitioned from RFID to Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) to manage truck flow


more intelligently. “It integrates seamlessly with our COSYS+ cargo management system to optimise dock allocation based on cargo proximity,” he says. The goal: seamless, scalable cargo management that supports the evolving needs of a complex market. “Our continuous embrace of technology and innovation allows us to elevate operational standards and uphold the highest levels of precision and safety,” Chew concludes.


ACW 7 JULY 2025 www.aircargoweek.com


reducing processing times, and lowering emissions—balancing growth with


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