Hactl reports overall air cargo tonnage in 2009

(8 January 2010, Hong Kong:) Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) today announced its 2009 aggregate air cargo throughput. With a gradual improvement on the trade performance of Hong Kong towards the end of the year, Hactl handled 2,323,605 tonnes of cargo in 2009, representing a year-on-year reduction of 8.3%. Total volumes handled by Hactl for December and the fourth quarter were 232,476 tonnes and 699,489 tonnes, registering a significant growth of 38.5% and 17.9% respectively compared with the same periods in 2008.

"2009 has been a year full of ups and downs. While we came across difficult moments in the first six months, the global economy has delightfully stabilised from the third quarter and has picked up faster than expected," said Ms Lilian Chan, General Manager, Marketing and Customer Service, Hactl. "In the fourth quarter, we are very excited to welcome AIR CARGO GERMANY, Air Pacific, Eurex Airlines and Yangtze River Express as our customers. In 2009, we have a total of 10 new customers joining the Hactl family and we are thankful to the vote of confidence from our customers."

Export volume was 126,761 tonnes for December and 390,527 tonnes for the fourth quarter, increased 43.7% and 16.9% year-on-year respectively. Aggregate export tonnage for the whole year was 1,233,011 tonnes, down 11.6% against 2008. Export to USA and Europe continued to improve in December with a growth of 39.9% and 38.6% respectively. The export trading to the Mainland China has improved significantly with an increase of 58.6% compared to the same period in 2008.

A total of 65,386 tonnes of import cargo were registered, up 46.0% year-on-year. Total import volume in the fourth quarter was 185,168 tonnes, with a growth of 29.5% against last year whilst the aggregate import volume for the whole year dropped 3.1% year-on year with a total of 624,714 tonnes. The transshipment volume was 40,329 tonnes for December and 123,794 tonnes for the fourth quarter, registering a year-on-year growth of 15.8% and 6.8% respectively. Aggregate transshipment volume for whole year was 465,880 tonnes, down 5.8% year-on-year.

Lilian continues, "We do not have a crystal ball to predict the market condition, but we are expecting a more stable year in 2010. At Hactl, we shall focus on upgrading our IT systems and enhancing our communication platforms with the industry this year, ensuring timely, stable and reliable services are well delivered to our airline customers, as well as maintaining and strengthening Hong Kong's air cargo hub status."