Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) recorded a 6.3% year-on-year increase in cargo throughput in September 2026, handling approximately 433,000 tonnes of freight as a sharp rise in transshipments and stronger import volumes supported its recovery. The growth followed year-on-year declines in July and August, highlighting renewed momentum at one of the world’s major air cargo hubs. According to provisional traffic statistics released by Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), transshipment volumes surged 26.9% year-on-year, while imports increased 9.2%. Southeast Asia and the Chinese mainland were the principal contributors to the expansion, offsetting weaker cargo flows on European trade lanes. Inbound freight recorded stronger growth than outbound shipments during the month. Unloaded cargo rose 14.6% year-on-year to approximately 126,000 tonnes, while loaded cargo increased 3.2% to around 306,000 tonnes. Cargo-related flight movements also climbed 3.9% to 6,515, compared with 6,270 in September 2025. The decline in European cargo volumes was attributed partly to the European Union’s removal of the customs duty exemption for low-value consignments in July 2026. The policy change has affected the movement of low-value e-commerce shipments into Europe, creating additional pressure on relevant trade flows. Despite fluctuations in monthly performance, HKIA maintained positive growth over the longer term. During January–September 2026, the airport handled approximately 3.78 million tonnes of cargo, marking a 3.1% increase compared with the corresponding period last year. For the financial year beginning in April, throughput reached 2.576 million tonnes, up 3% year-on-year. On a rolling 12-month basis, cargo volumes increased 3.3% to 5.18 million tonnes, while cargo flight movements rose 2.1% to 79,715. The September performance underscores the importance of intra-Asian trade and transshipment activity in sustaining Hong Kong’s air freight network. With stronger cargo flows from mainland China and Southeast Asia compensating for softness in Europe, HKIA’s latest figures reflect shifting trade patterns across the global air cargo market. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!

Korean Air has completed the modernisation of its cargo terminal at Incheon International Airport in South Korea, transforming the facility into an integrated smart cargo terminal equipped with advanced automation technologies. The upgrade is expected to increase overall cargo-handling capacity by more than 25%, strengthening the airline’s ability to accommodate growing air freight demand and improve operational efficiency. The modernisation project began in June 2025 and was completed in September 2026. It introduced automated guided vehicles (AGVs), upgraded elevating transfer vehicles (ETVs) and improvements to the terminal’s cargo-transfer infrastructure. These technologies are designed to streamline freight movement, improve handling accuracy and reduce operational bottlenecks while maintaining service quality. A key development is the expansion of the terminal’s bypass infrastructure from a single line to two automated transfer lines integrated with the new ETVs. This has increased the hourly processing capacity for unit load devices (ULDs), the standardised containers and pallets used to transport air freight, from 18 to 30 units. The increased throughput is expected to support faster cargo processing and improve the efficiency of terminal operations. Automating the movement of heavy equipment also reduces manual handling requirements, helping improve workplace safety and working conditions. Infrastructure improvements include upgrades intended to create a more efficient working environment for terminal personnel. Alongside automation, Korean Air is expanding facilities for specialised and high-value shipments, including cargo requiring temperature-controlled handling. Its dedicated Cool Cargo Center at Incheon can store and process more than 150 tonnes of fresh cargo at a time, supporting the movement of perishables and other temperature-sensitive goods. The Incheon upgrade forms part of the airline’s broader efforts to strengthen its cargo infrastructure. Korean Air is also modernising its cargo terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, with completion targeted for 2027. By investing in automated handling systems and specialised cargo infrastructure, Korean Air aims to enhance throughput, operational precision and service capabilities across its international air cargo network. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!

Air India has commenced construction of a new Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hangar at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), to strengthen its in-house aircraft maintenance capabilities. The project is aimed at improving fleet availability, operational efficiency and the airline’s self-reliance in aircraft engineering and maintenance. Spread across nine acres, the multi-facility MRO hangar will be the first facility in Delhi designed to accommodate one widebody and one narrowbody aircraft simultaneously. The infrastructure will enable Air India to consolidate key engineering and maintenance activities at its largest hub, allowing closer operational oversight and more efficient coordination of technical services. The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by Tewolde Gebremariam, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, along with senior executives from Air India and Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), including P Balaji, Group Head - Governance, Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Affairs, Air India; Basil Kwauk, Chief Operations Officer, Air India; Jeremy Yew, Senior Vice President - Engineering & Maintenance, Air India; Manomay Rai, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, DIAL; Vijay K Sharma, Vice President & Head - Aviation Services Business, DIAL; and Deepika Sharma, AGM - Aero Related, Commercial Aero, DIAL, among others. The new facility is expected to help reduce aircraft ground time by bringing inspections, cabin maintenance and defect rectification under one roof. Integrated engineering offices and an on-site spare parts warehouse will support streamlined workflows, improve access to critical components and reduce logistics costs associated with maintenance operations. A dedicated Cabin Shop will facilitate faster repairs to aircraft interiors, reducing dependence on third-party service providers and helping address cabin-related defects more efficiently. The facility will also enable quicker recovery of aircraft grounded by technical issues through direct access to engineering teams and spare parts, potentially minimising operational disruptions. These capabilities are particularly relevant as airlines seek to improve aircraft utilisation, maintain reliable schedules and manage the technical requirements of expanding fleets. The Delhi MRO hangar will feature a clear internal height of 25 metres and large column-free spans to accommodate next-generation aircraft. Its design incorporates stringent safety provisions, including advanced fire protection systems, while following Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Green Building norms to support energy and water conservation. The project aligns with Air India’s broader strategy to develop stronger in-house maintenance infrastructure and build a more integrated aviation engineering ecosystem in India. Greater control over maintenance activities can help the airline improve turnaround times, strengthen fleet reliability and reduce its dependence on external facilities for selected technical requirements. As construction progresses, the new hangar is expected to strengthen Delhi’s role in Air India’s maintenance network. The investment also reflects the growing importance of domestic MRO infrastructure in supporting India’s expanding aviation sector, improving operational resilience and developing specialised engineering capabilities. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!

Air Canada Cargo is expanding its dedicated freighter network for the 2026-27 winter season, introducing new services from its Toronto hub to Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Monterrey in Mexico and Panama City in Panama. The additions are expected to strengthen air freight connectivity across transatlantic and Latin American trade lanes, while providing shippers with additional cargo capacity and routing options. The airline will launch its twice-weekly freighter service to Amsterdam on 29 October. The new route will complement Air Canada’s existing passenger operations to the Dutch city, providing dedicated main-deck cargo capacity during the winter period, when reduced passenger flight frequencies can constrain available belly-hold capacity on some transatlantic routes. The expansion also extends the carrier’s reach across key manufacturing and distribution markets in Latin America. Freighter services to Monterrey will begin on 26 October, operating three times a week, while operations to Panama City are scheduled to commence on 25 October, with up to two weekly flights. Air Canada Cargo already serves Mexico City and Guadalajara with its dedicated freighter aircraft. Matthieu Casey, Managing Director, Commercial – Cargo at Air Canada, said the Amsterdam service would strengthen the airline’s European network by providing dedicated cargo capacity and improving access for customers in the Netherlands and across Europe. He added that the new services to Monterrey and Panama City would improve two-way connectivity between Europe and the airline’s growing Latin American network, creating more opportunities to reach markets including Quito, Lima, Bogotá and Mexico City. The expanded network is expected to benefit freight forwarders and businesses seeking greater flexibility in moving goods between Canada, Europe and Latin America. Toronto Pearson, Air Canada Cargo’s principal hub for the new services, will continue to play a key role in connecting Canadian businesses with international markets. By adding dedicated freighter capacity across these routes, Air Canada Cargo is positioning its winter schedule to address seasonal capacity constraints and support more reliable international supply chains. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) has completed a new air cargo centre in partnership with real estate developer Crow Holdings, marking a significant addition to Wisconsin’s freight and logistics infrastructure. The facility will strengthen regional cargo operations and improve access to domestic and international freight markets. Located at the MKE Regional Business Park on the former site of the 440th Airlift Wing, the 337,000-square-foot facility is designed to accommodate up to five Boeing 747-400 aircraft simultaneously. Construction began in February 2025, following years of planning and collaboration between the airport and Crow Holdings. The development is intended to provide manufacturers, distributors and logistics providers with additional air freight capacity and a more direct route to global shipping networks. A key objective of the project is to offer businesses in southeastern Wisconsin an alternative to routing freight through airports in neighbouring Illinois, particularly Chicago-area gateways that can experience congestion, delays and higher operating costs. By expanding cargo infrastructure closer to regional manufacturing and distribution centres, MKE aims to support more predictable freight movements and improve supply chain efficiency. The airport’s location along the Interstate 94 corridor also provides access to trucking networks serving Wisconsin and the wider Midwest. Its existing airfield capabilities, road connectivity and potential for further cargo development could help attract additional cargo operators and strengthen links between air freight and road transport. The project represents an investment of approximately $80 million and forms part of a public-private partnership between Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport and Crow Holdings. Alongside the cargo facility, the broader development includes improvements to adjacent taxiways to support wide-body freighter operations, as well as a new Milwaukee County Highway Maintenance Facility. These infrastructure enhancements are expected to improve accessibility for cargo aircraft and support the region’s transportation requirements. The new centre is also expected to generate recurring revenue for the airport. Projections indicate annual aircraft landing fees of more than $1.3 million, in addition to over $1 million in ground lease rents and fees. The development is expected to create employment opportunities, attract new business and contribute to economic growth across Wisconsin. For the regional logistics industry, the facility provides an opportunity to expand air freight capacity while offering shippers another gateway for moving goods across the United States and international markets. Its long-term contribution will depend on cargo operator participation, freight volumes and the development of supporting logistics services. With the completion of the new air cargo centre, the airport is strengthening its position as an alternative cargo gateway in the Midwest, supporting manufacturers and supply chain operators seeking greater flexibility, connectivity and efficiency in freight transportation. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!  

Bengaluru–Vancouver sister airport agreement focuses on cargo development, technology collaboration and the potential for future direct flights.  Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) have signed a sister airport agreement aimed at strengthening cooperation in air cargo, digital innovation and airport operations, while supporting efforts to improve air connectivity between southern India and western Canada. The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration between Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which operates Bengaluru Airport, and Vancouver International Airport. The announcement was marked at Bengaluru Airport’s Terminal 2 in the presence of Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu. The partnership covers seven areas of cooperation, including technology-driven operational improvements, innovation, cargo development and the exchange of expertise in sustainable airport operations and terminal performance management. Cargo Cooperation at the Centre of the Partnership: Improving cargo movement between Canada and southern India is a key objective of the agreement. Closer collaboration could help the airports explore opportunities to support freight demand from technology and other industries, while examining operational processes and customer requirements. Both airports have established cargo operations. Bengaluru handled 520,985 tonnes of cargo in calendar year 2025, registering 5% growth year on year. Vancouver processed approximately 365,000 tonnes over the same period, up 7.4%. Although these figures reflect total airport cargo volumes rather than traffic between the two cities, they demonstrate the scale of the logistics operations that underpin the partnership. The agreement provides a platform for further engagement on cargo-related opportunities. Its commercial impact will depend on specific initiatives, available airline capacity, handling arrangements and the development of viable transport connections. Digital Technology and Operational Innovation: Digital innovation is another major component of the partnership. The airports intend to explore opportunities for joint technology development and testing, drawing on operational experience and emerging digital solutions. Vancouver's digital twin technology offers a potential reference point for this collaboration. Developed to support airport planning and operations, the platform combines historical data, sensor inputs and real-time information in two-dimensional and three-dimensional visualisations. Vancouver agreed with Unity in March 2023 to commercialise the platform for the wider aviation industry. Its applications include simulation, planning, training and operational analysis. The Bengaluru–Vancouver agreement creates an opportunity to exchange knowledge in this area, although no specific digital twin deployment at Bengaluru Airport has been announced as part of the partnership. Direct Air Connectivity Remains a Longer-Term Goal: The airports have also identified direct air connectivity between Bengaluru and Vancouver as an objective. However, the sister airport agreement does not confirm a new flight service, and no airline, launch date or operating schedule has been announced. Introducing a direct route would require an airline to evaluate demand, aircraft availability, operating costs and commercial viability before committing to a service. The regulatory framework already provides scope for future development. In November 2022, Canada and India expanded their bilateral air transport agreement, allowing designated airlines to operate unlimited flights between the two countries, replacing the previous limit of 35 weekly flights for each country. Bengaluru was among the Indian cities accessible to Canadian carriers under the arrangement, while Vancouver was among the Canadian gateways available to Indian airlines. All-cargo flight rights were already unrestricted. These provisions provide regulatory flexibility but do not guarantee that a direct passenger or cargo service between Bengaluru and Vancouver will be launched. A Framework for Practical Cooperation: The agreement brings together two established international gateways with opportunities to exchange expertise in cargo operations, digital technology and sustainable airport management. For the logistics and aviation sectors, the next indicators of progress will be the announcement of concrete cargo initiatives, joint technology projects, operational trials and any future airline commitments. While the agreement establishes a basis for closer cooperation, its long-term significance will depend on how the proposed collaboration develops into measurable operational improvements and commercially viable services. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates  

UPS has opened a new international air hub at Clark International Airport in the Philippines, backed by an investment of more than US$80 million. The facility is designed to strengthen global trade connectivity, expand parcel-processing capacity and improve delivery speeds across key international trade lanes. The development forms part of UPS’s broader strategy to reinforce its Asia-Pacific logistics network amid evolving trade patterns and growing demand for reliable, time-sensitive international shipments. UPS Clark Hub Expands Package Processing and Global Connectivity Spanning 30,000 square metres, the new facility is 15 times larger than the previous hub and can process an average of 46,000 packages daily, with a maximum throughput of 15,000 packages per hour. It is equipped to support specialised shipments for healthcare, high-tech and manufacturing customers, including consignments that require time-sensitive or temperature-controlled handling. The hub operates within UPS’s expanding international air network, with 170 weekly flight segments to and from Clark. These services connect businesses across Asia-Pacific, India, Europe and the United States, enabling shipments to reach some international destinations in as little as one business day. According to UPS, the expanded facility will improve services across more than 1,100 global trade lanes. Shipments to and from eastern China and other major Asia-Pacific markets could benefit from delivery times up to two days faster. Connections between several Southeast Asian markets and India are also expected to become faster, alongside improvements to services originating from or destined for the Philippines. Extended collection cut-off times and earlier deliveries are additional benefits for customers. Automation and Temperature-Controlled Handling Technology and specialised infrastructure form a central part of the new hub's operations. The facility incorporates an automated small-package sorting system capable of handling up to 9,000 packages weighing less than three kilograms per hour. This is intended to improve sorting efficiency and support the processing of high shipment volumes. For healthcare and other sensitive cargo, the hub features three refrigeration and freezer units operating across a temperature range of -20°C to 25°C, dedicated re-icing capabilities and UPS Premier radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology. These systems are designed to support priority handling and improve shipment visibility for critical and temperature-sensitive consignments. The facility also incorporates electric ground-service equipment, including cargo tractors, belt loaders, cargo loaders, ground power units and forklifts. Its sustainability certification and building design aligned with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards reflect an emphasis on operational efficiency and environmental considerations. Investment Strengthens the Philippines' Logistics Infrastructure The investment has created nearly 600 jobs across operations, security, information technology, maintenance and other functions, with recruitment extending to communities in Pampanga and neighbouring areas. UPS established its first hub at Clark International Airport in 2002, making the new facility a significant expansion of its long-standing presence in the Philippines. Bernard Jiang, president of UPS Asia-Pacific, said the project forms part of a sustained investment strategy to strengthen the company's regional network and provide faster connections in response to growing trade flows. The Clark hub follows other recent UPS investments in Asia-Pacific, including the opening of a major logistics centre in Taiwan, construction of a new hub at Hong Kong International Airport and an expansion at Incheon Airport in South Korea. Together, these developments underline the company's focus on improving regional connectivity, service reliability and supply chain resilience as businesses navigate changing trade routes and increasingly complex logistics requirements. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!

Tashkent-based air cargo carrier My Freighter has secured approval to operate cargo services to the United Kingdom, as it expands its fleet and international network. The carrier has received ACC3 designation from the UK Department for Transport, confirming that its cargo security procedures meet the country's aviation security requirements. The airline expects to commence UK-bound operations soon, with flight schedules to be announced. The approval will enable My Freighter to offer secure and compliant air freight services from Tashkent to the UK, establishing another connection for shippers and freight forwarders in Uzbekistan and neighbouring markets. The development is expected to strengthen cargo connectivity between Central Asia and Europe, while providing businesses with an additional air freight option for international shipments. ACC3 designation is a key regulatory requirement for air carriers transporting cargo or mail from outside the UK into the country. Under the UK's aviation security framework, carriers must obtain this designation before such shipments can be accepted for arrival at UK airports. The approval therefore provides My Freighter with the necessary security clearance to pursue its planned operations in the market. Fleet Expansion Supports Network Growth The UK approval comes as My Freighter continues to expand its dedicated freighter fleet. On 4 October 2026, the airline received its tenth Boeing 767 freighter, registered UK67023, at its Tashkent hub. The aircraft, a Boeing 767-328ER converted freighter, brought the carrier's Boeing 767 fleet to 10 aircraft and its total fleet to 11, including one Boeing 757 freighter. The airline plans to add four freighters during 2026 and is targeting a fleet of 50 aircraft by 2030, according to Business Development Director Mohy Sheneshen. It is also planning to introduce an Airbus A330-200 freighter to support longer-distance routes, with the United States identified as a key potential market. Tashkent Emerging as a Cargo Hub My Freighter is developing its network around Tashkent through a hub-and-spoke operating model, connecting regional cargo flows with international destinations. In August, it launched daily cargo flights from Liège Airport to improve connectivity between Europe and Central Asia. The carrier has also signed interline agreements with Air Canada Cargo and Singapore Airlines Cargo, extending its access to partner networks. Alongside its fleet and route expansion, the airline is developing a dedicated cargo terminal at Tashkent Airport. The facility was expected to begin a soft opening in November or December 2026, supporting its growing operational requirements. My Freighter is also targeting cargo flows across Africa and the Middle East, as well as trade lanes linking Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) with Europe. North and South American markets form part of its broader expansion plans. The UK designation adds another market to the carrier's growth strategy. As My Freighter increases its aircraft capacity, strengthens its hub infrastructure and develops partnerships, the planned UK services could create additional routing options for freight forwarders and businesses moving goods between Central Asia and international markets. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!

LATAM Cargo Group has introduced virtual reality (VR) technology to train warehouse personnel at its Miami International Airport (MIA) hub, strengthening its focus on operational safety, hazard prevention and efficient cargo handling. The initiative enables employees to practise high-risk operational scenarios in an immersive, digitally simulated environment without exposing themselves or others to actual workplace hazards. The programme’s initial phase will cover approximately 550 employees, including 250 forklift operators. Developed in collaboration with Academia LATAM, the LATAM Group’s internal training division, the system replicates the working environment and allows personnel to rehearse procedures that are critical to safe warehouse operations. The VR simulators incorporate scenarios across six warehouse pedestrian zones, alongside three specialised training modules for forklift drivers. Employees practise procedures involving dangerous goods segregation, cargo handling, pedestrian movement and maintaining safe separation between personnel and machinery. These exercises are designed to improve situational awareness and help workers recognise and respond to potential risks more effectively. Beyond immersive instruction, the platform records behavioural metrics, including response times during contingencies and employees’ ability to identify and mitigate hazards. These measurements can help assess training performance and provide insights into how personnel respond to safety-critical situations. By combining realistic simulations with measurable performance indicators, the programme aims to strengthen practical preparedness alongside conventional training. Daniel Leng, Chief Operating Officer (COO) at LATAM Cargo, said: “Integrating Virtual Reality at our Miami hub marks a key step in our operational safety strategy. By placing our teams in critical operational scenarios within an exact replica of their daily work environment, we significantly close the gap between classroom theory and ramp practice. This directly translates into safer and more efficient cargo handling for our customers.” The Miami deployment follows an initial implementation of VR-based onboarding training at the Fast Air warehouse in Santiago, Chile. The expansion brings a broader range of operational scenarios to one of LATAM Cargo’s important cargo hubs, extending the application of simulation-based learning beyond its initial rollout. The company is also assessing the possibility of introducing the VR training system at other strategic locations across its network, including Brazil. Hence, the initiative reflects the growing role of digital training technologies in air cargo operations, where warehouse teams must coordinate cargo movements, operate machinery and manage safety-sensitive procedures in demanding environments. By enabling employees to practise complex tasks in a controlled setting and measuring their responses, LATAM Cargo aims to reinforce workplace safety while supporting more reliable and efficient cargo-handling operations. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!

Asia Airfreight Terminal (AAT) has renewed its operating franchise with Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) for a further 15 years, securing its presence at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) from 2028 to 2043. The agreement reinforces the cargo terminal operator’s long-term commitment to Hong Kong’s air freight industry, with plans to expand handling capacity to 2 million tonnes. A subsidiary of SATS Ltd and an affiliate of Eastern Option Ltd., AAT has operated at HKIA since 1998. Its services include physical air cargo handling and documentation processing for airlines, supporting the movement of freight through one of the region’s key international aviation gateways. The franchise renewal comes as Hong Kong strengthens its aviation infrastructure and regional transport links. The full commissioning of HKIA’s Three-Runway System is expected to support the airport’s long-term development, while improved multimodal connectivity across the Greater Bay Area offers opportunities to enhance cargo movement and links between air freight and other transport networks. Mike Chew, Chief Executive Officer of AAT, said: “We are honoured to continue our long-standing partnership with Airport Authority Hong Kong. Building on nearly three decades of experience at HKIA, we will continue to invest in enhancing the infrastructure, technology, operational capabilities, including increasing our cargo handling capacity to 2 million tonnes, for long-term development of Hong Kong’s air cargo industry.” The planned capacity increase will be supported by continued investment in infrastructure, technology and operational capabilities, aimed at improving efficiency and meeting evolving requirements across the air cargo supply chain. AAT’s specialised facilities include AAT COOLPORT, which holds IATA CEIV Pharma and CEIV Fresh certifications, alongside World Health Organization Good Distribution Practices (GDP) accreditation for pharmaceutical products. These credentials support the handling of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and fresh produce. AAT’s renewed franchise follows a similar extension secured by Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl), another major cargo terminal operator at HKIA, whose agreement also runs until 2043. Together, the extensions provide long-term operating continuity for the airport’s cargo handling sector as Hong Kong seeks to strengthen its position as an international air freight hub. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!

Liege Airport handled more than one million tonnes of air cargo in the first nine months of 2026, with strong export growth offsetting the impact of new European charges on low-value e-commerce parcels. The Belgian cargo hub processed 1,032,283 tonnes of freight between January and September, marking a 7.3% increase from 961,640 tonnes recorded during the same period in 2025. According to the airport’s latest traffic figures, exports were the principal driver of growth. Outbound cargo volumes rose 18.5% year-on-year to 453,265 tonnes, compared with 382,299 tonnes in the first nine months of last year. The performance enabled the airport to cross the one-million-tonne milestone by the end of September, despite a slowdown in overall activity during the third quarter. During the July-September quarter, Liege Airport handled 334,467 tonnes of freight, marginally below the 334,950 tonnes recorded in the corresponding period of 2025. Aircraft movements declined by 6% to 6,826, compared with 7,261 a year earlier. The airport attributed the reduction in flight activity largely to the introduction of a €3 charge on imported parcels valued below €150, which came into effect on 1 July 2026. Since the measure was introduced, volumes of small parcels have fallen by 42%, affecting part of the airport’s e-commerce business and reducing the number of flights dedicated to this segment. The development highlights the immediate effect of regulatory changes on cross-border e-commerce flows and the air cargo operations that support them. The slowdown in parcel traffic contrasts with the continued expansion of export shipments, demonstrating how different cargo segments are influencing the airport’s overall performance. Despite the third-quarter slowdown, aircraft movements remained broadly stable over the first nine months of 2026. The airport recorded 21,180 movements between January and September, compared with 21,153 during the same period last year. The difference between cargo tonnage growth and aircraft movements suggests that freight volumes have expanded without a corresponding increase in total flight activity. Meanwhile, the strong export performance has helped sustain the airport’s growth amid changing market conditions. Commenting on the results, Laurent Jossart, CEO of Liege Airport, said, “The sluggish growth in the third quarter reflects the immediate impact of the new tax applied to small parcels. But when we look at the results since the beginning of the year, we can see that the airport continues to grow. We recorded stable traffic in terms of the number of movements, passed the million-tonne mark and posted particularly strong growth in exports. These results demonstrate the resilience of our platform and the diversification of our cargo activities.” The nine-month performance underlines the importance of export demand and diversified cargo flows to Liege Airport’s operations. However, the impact of the new parcel charge on e-commerce volumes and flight activity will remain an important factor for the airport as the year progresses. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!

Brussels Airport recorded a 6.8% year-on-year increase in cargo volumes in September 2026, handling 70,257 tonnes of freight as growth in trucked cargo and shipments carried on passenger aircraft supported overall performance. The airport also maintained positive momentum during the first nine months of the year, with cumulative cargo throughput rising 8.1% to more than 627,000 tonnes. The September figures highlight the contribution of road-based cargo movements to the airport’s expanding logistics activity, alongside continued growth in air freight transported on passenger services. Trucked Cargo Drives Monthly Growth Trucked cargo volumes increased by 37.2% compared with September 2025, emerging as the primary driver of the airport’s overall cargo growth. Meanwhile, flown cargo volumes rose by 2.5%, supported largely by an 11.4% increase in freight carried aboard passenger aircraft. However, the airport reported marginal declines in two other segments. Full-freighter cargo volumes decreased by 1.1%, while the integrator segment recorded a 0.2% contraction. The contrasting performance across cargo categories underlines the importance of diversified transport capacity and the integration of road and air networks in supporting freight flows through major European logistics hubs. Asia and the Americas Remain Key Trade Regions Asia, Latin America and North America were the leading regions for imports handled at Brussels Airport in September. On the export side, Asia and Latin America ranked highest, followed by Africa. These trade flows reinforce the airport’s role in connecting European supply chains with major international markets. Brussels Airport also specialises in pharmaceutical products, perishable goods, e-commerce shipments and live-animal transport, supporting cargo segments with specific handling and infrastructure requirements. The airport’s focus on specialised logistics is particularly relevant to pharmaceutical and life sciences supply chains, where temperature-controlled facilities and reliable handling processes are essential. Cargo Growth Continues Through 2026 From January to September 2026, Brussels Airport handled more than 627,000 tonnes of cargo, an 8.1% increase over the corresponding period in 2025. Cargo flight movements also grew by 3.2% in September year on year, indicating an increase in dedicated cargo flight activity despite the slight declines recorded in the full-freighter and integrator volume segments. Overall, the airport has also been strengthening its cargo ecosystem through industry partnerships and infrastructure development. In September, it signed a memorandum of understanding with Hyderabad International Airport to enhance air cargo connectivity between Belgium and India, with particular attention to pharmaceutical and life sciences shipments. Separately, a new 14,000-square-metre logistics facility for Yusen Logistics and Air Promotions Agencies is under development, with completion scheduled for 2027. The combination of rising throughput, stronger road-feeder activity and targeted infrastructure investments positions Brussels Airport to support evolving international freight requirements. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!