Hactl releases tonnage throughput for the first quarter of 2009

(9 April 2009, Hong Kong:) Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) announced today its tonnage throughput for March and the first quarter of 2009. A total of 186,636 tonnes were handled in March, showing a decline of 21.1% year-on-year. Cumulative tonnage for the first quarter was 463,014 tonnes, down 24.7% against 2008.

Export volume in March was 96,529 tonnes, down 26.9% compared with last year. Cumulative export tonnage for the first quarter was 236,766 tonnes, representing a drop of 28.4% year-on-year. Export to China showed a considerable drop of 38.4% in the first quarter, while USA and Europe recorded a decline of 29.0% and 28.9% respectively.

A total of 47,741 tonnes of import cargo were handled in March, showing a year-on-year drop of 19.3%. Cumulative import tonnage for the first quarter was 122,959 tonnes, down 24.8% against the same period last year. Import from China, USA and Europe declined 24.7%, 21.2% and 24.8% in the first quarter respectively.

Transshipment volume for March recorded a comparatively mild decrease of 6.7% year-on-year to 42,366 tonnes. Total transshipment volume for the first quarter was 103,289 tonnes, down 14.2% year-on-year.

"The March figures came as a minor relief, as compared to the sharp tonnage declines registered in the previous months. But market outlook remains grim for the rest of 2009 as the global trade market will need more time to recover,” said Lilian Chan, General Manager of Marketing and Customer Service. “Hactl has always maintained a long term focus despite the uncertainties ahead. Our recent successful pursuit of the ISAGO (IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations), ISO14001 and OHSAS18001 accreditations testifies our effort in enhancing operational safety and security, environmental management as well as occupational health and safety management, underlining our dedication to service excellence.”