Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Today marks the premiere of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) World Cargo Symposium (WCS) in Hong Kong, the air cargo industry’s paramount yearly gathering. This three-day symposium attracts over 1,900 participants from across the globe to Hong Kong and features around 50 international exhibitors, displaying the latest advancements in the air cargo sector.
Hosting the symposium is Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), recognized as the world’s leading cargo hub, with Cathay Cargo serving as the event’s official airline. The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has collaborated extensively with IATA and its airport counterparts to showcase Hong Kong’s resilient rebound in aviation post-pandemic and its promising outlook for cargo and passenger services.
This year’s symposium, hosted at AsiaWorld-Expo and themed “Driving Sustainable and Inclusive Growth,” explores various facets of the global cargo industry, including technology and innovation, security and customs, cargo operations, and sustainability.
The opening plenary was graced by several dignitaries: Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government; Liu Chun-san, Acting Secretary of Transport and Logistics; Jack So, AAHK Chairman; Willie Walsh, IATA Director General; Fred Lam, AAHK CEO; Victor Liu, Civil Aviation Department Director General; Ronald Lam, Cathay Group CEO; Lavinia Lau, Cathay Group Chief Customer and Commercial Officer; and Brendan Sullivan, IATA Global Head of Cargo.
Paul Chan, said in his welcome address, “We thank the IATA for choosing Hong Kong as the host city for the WCS. Long renowned for its strategic location, world-class infrastructure and logistics network, Hong Kong is a global nexus for international trade and cargo business. We are now working closely with our sister cities in the Greater Bay Area so that HKIA will better serve as the region’s logistic gateway and premier air cargo hub. Looking ahead, Hong Kong is determined to expand our air services network and support green transition in aviation, in a bid to lead a more sustainable aviation future.”
Jack So, remarked at the event, “It is our great pleasure for HKIA to host this prestigious event. HKIA continues to hold the title of the world’s busiest international cargo airport, even in the face of the challenges. The WCS provides us with a valuable opportunity to foster growth, resilience and sustainability within our industry. I look forward to the inspiring discussions and innovative ideas to come.”
Ronald Lam said, “As Hong Kong’s home carrier and the host airline for the city’s first WCS, we are delighted to have the opportunity to showcase everything that makes Hong Kong truly best-in-class. Cathay will continue our cargo investments, spanning from freighters, technology, innovation and digitalisation to contribute to Hong Kong’s position as the world’s number one air cargo hub, and enabling us even better connectivity with the rest of the Greater Bay Area, the Chinese Mainland and countries all over the world.”
“We are delighted to host the WCS in Hong Kong and welcome over 1,900 delegates to the event. Hong Kong’s strategic location in Asia, coupled with its world-class infrastructure and status as a global logistics hub, makes it the perfect backdrop for this year’s event. Air cargo’s success matters. Over the next few days digitalisation, safety and sustainability will be top of mind for the industry’s leaders,” said Willie Walsh.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
