(10 January 2008, Hong Kong:) Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) announced today the tonnage throughput for December, the fourth quarter and for the whole year of 2007. In December, a total of 238,689 tonnes were handled, representing a 3% year-on-year increase over 2006. Tonnage handled in the fourth quarter was 735,778, representing a year-on-year increase of 2.6%. The total annual tonnage throughput of year 2007 hits a new height of 2,632,300 tonnes, up 2.7% against 2006 and is by far a new handling record for Hactl.

Market export demand stays strong in 2007: export tonnage in December showed a year-on-year growth of 3.8%, with a total of 133,584 tonnes being handled. With the strong purchasing motives in festive December, export volume to Europe and U.S. increased 10.1% and 7.9% respectively. Export tonnage for the fourth quarter was 425,694 tonnes, up 3.4% against the same period in 2006. Aggregate export tonnage for the whole year reached 1,482,491 tonnes, indicating a year-on-year growth of 2.9%.

A total of 63,652 tonnes and 184,032 tonnes of import cargo were handled in December and in the fourth quarter, down 2% and 0.8% respectively against same period in 2006. With the depreciation of the U.S. Dollars, import volume from U.S. is picking up in the fourth quarter " import throughput from U.S. saw a 11.6% year-on-year increase compared to the same period in 2006. Import volume from Europe in the fourth quarter also showed a steady year-on-year growth of 2.5%. The total import tonnage for the whole year was 689,139 tonnes, down 1% against 2006.

Transshipment volume for December was 41,453 tonnes, up 8.8% against the same month in 2006. Cumulative transshipment tonnage for the fourth quarter was 126,052 tonnes, up 5.2% year-on-year. Total transshipment volume for the whole year was 460,670 tonnes, representing a year-on-year growth of 8.3%.

Ms Lilian Chan, General Manager, Marketing and Customer Service of Hactl said, "2007 is another successful year for Hactl and it comes as no surprise that we are able to set new yearly, monthly, weekly record high tonnages all within the latter part of 2007.

"Our ability to handle such a huge volume of cargo with impeccable service level and flexibility is a clear indication that our on-going investments in upgrading our staff quality, terminal facilities and IT infrastructure and networks do pay off. Looking ahead, we are committed to providing more innovative, efficient and quality cargo solutions, supporting the continued growth of our customers " our partners and further strengthening Hong Kong's position as the leading international air cargo hub in the region."

The summary of the import, export and transshipment volumes handled in December, the fourth quarter and the whole year of 2007 is tabulated as follows: