SUPPLEMENT


“We’ve been trying out towing dollies around SuperTerminal 1, we are very committed in investing in it. We are definitely seeing very satisfactory results.” Despite the advanced digitalisation, Kwong is clear: air cargo


remains a human-centric business. “There are still a lot of processes which involve dealing with people, there are lots and lots of interactions across the entire supply chain that, however automated one is, you will still have human interventions when it comes to cargo handling.” That people-focused culture is reinforced by Hactl’s internal


development programmes. “We have a lot of in-house sharing sessions and lunchtime talks,” says Kwong. “Learning the technology is one thing. The other aspect is cybersecurity. That’s also important, because digitalisation helps you, but it also has its own threats.” Awareness training, regular audits, and the use of both in-house and external reviews are part of the company’s defence strategy. “Every system architecture is different but it’s important for all players to regularly review and improve, because technology evolves.” On the issue of data sharing with airlines and forwarders, Kwong sees alignment growing -but not without effort.


“Transparency


is the goal, of course, we are seeing our partners working on initiatives. We regularly engage with our airline customers as well as the industry in general to see how data can be interchanged.” Asked if real-time monitoring has led to lower incidents or higher


confidence, he answers directly: “It gives you potential flags or indications of where issues would arise. That naturally reduces incidents. If you visit our iHCC, you’ll see we’re monitoring not only the day’s throughput and flight movements, but also the aircraft movements in the vicinity of the runway, and how the ULDs are moving, all that raises the confidence level of the airlines.” Some industry players still treat visibility technology as


optional. Kwong firmly disagrees. “If you say balance investment and scalability, it means potentially there’s a conflict. I would say there’s no conflict. This is a necessity. It’s not an option.”


From HK to the world Hactl’s success is inseparable from its location, but also from how that location is supported. “We are connected to more than 220 ports and airports within a five-hour flying time, you’re connecting to half of the world’s population,” Kwong says. “But it’s not just the geographical location. We have a strong hinterland - the Greater Bay Area - we have a very committed and business-facilitating government and a very business-friendly customs regime.” Despite Hong Kong’s top ranking as the world’s busiest cargo


airport in 2024, Kwong does not flaunt its top position. “I do not want to say whether we are setting regional or global standards. But I’m very confident and very honoured to say that we have definitely played a role in setting those over the years.” Still, he doesn’t shy away from the challenges. “We should always


look for better solutions. One initiative we’ve been doing is on thermal detection - scanners looking at goods for abnormal heat signatures that could give rise to a fire. Hactl is the world’s first air cargo terminal equipped with an intelligent cargo thermal detection system, and we’re now using it to scan cargo during cargo acceptance. These are things we are committed to, asking: how can we do better?” Geopolitical tensions hang over global supply chains. “Air cargo


survives and thrives with global trade,” Kwong said. “Any events that hamper trade will inevitably affect all players in the industry. And Hactl would not be excluded, but we remain optimistic about the long-term prospects of air cargo.” Looking ahead, the pace of change will only accelerate. “In three


to five years’ time, things will evolve even quicker,” Kwong predicts. “There will be wider application and deeper application [of digital technologies]. That’s what will move this industry forward.” Hactl’s approach to technology is not experimental, nor


theoretical. It is embedded. And yet, the most striking part of Kwong’s outlook is his refusal to see any phase of transformation as complete. Even in a terminal with custom-built software, a 5G backbone, AI-optimised operations and autonomous tractors, the question is still: what next?


“Hactl is the


world’s first air cargo terminal equipped with an intelligent


cargo thermal detection


system, and we’re now using it to scan cargo


during cargo acceptance.”


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