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Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) is intensifying its sustainability and cargo safety initiatives as global supply chains increasingly demand greener, more resilient and technology-enabled logistics infrastructure. According to Hactl’s annual Sustainability Report 2025, the company’s latest investments in intelligent cargo screening, autonomous electric vehicles and sustainable terminal operations signal a broader transformation of air cargo handling from a traditional warehouse function into a critical supply chain resilience strategy.
At the centre of Hactl’s latest move is the Phase 2 rollout of its intelligent cargo thermal detection system at SuperTerminal 1 in Hong Kong. The enhanced system now scans cargo during acceptance as well as prior to aircraft loading, creating what the company calls a “double layer” of protection against high-risk shipments such as lithium batteries. The technology combines thermal imaging, artificial intelligence, data analytics and fluid mechanics to detect abnormal temperatures in real time and trigger alerts before incidents escalate.
For global supply chains, the implications are significant. Lithium battery shipments continue to rise sharply due to booming electric vehicle, electronics and e-commerce sectors. However, battery-related fires remain one of the biggest operational risks in air freight logistics. By investing in predictive monitoring and dedicated storage infrastructure, Hactl aims to reduce disruption risks across the cargo chain while improving reliability for airlines, freight forwarders and shippers.
Hactl’s sustainability strategy extends well beyond cargo safety. Under its Green Terminal Programme, the company has committed to reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50 percent by 2030 against a 2018 baseline. The company has already deployed renewable diesel initiatives, energy-efficient lighting systems, digitalisation projects and terminal-wide waste reduction programmes as part of its decarbonisation roadmap.
Automation is also emerging as a major pillar of Hactl’s supply chain strategy. The company recently introduced Autonomous Electric Tractors (AETs) for ramp operations at Hong Kong International Airport. The vehicles, equipped with LiDAR sensors, HD cameras and AI-powered navigation systems, are designed to improve operational efficiency while reducing emissions and labour dependency in airport logistics.
Industry analysts note that sustainability in air cargo is no longer limited to carbon reduction alone. Supply chains today require terminals that can simultaneously deliver operational continuity, cargo integrity, digital visibility and regulatory compliance. Hactl’s integrated approach reflects this shift, particularly as pharmaceutical cargo, perishables, lithium batteries and cross-border e-commerce place greater pressure on air logistics infrastructure.
The company’s long-term strategy aligns with Hong Kong’s broader ambition to reinforce its position as a leading global air cargo hub amid intensifying regional competition. Investments in multimodal logistics connectivity, automation and green infrastructure are expected to strengthen Hong Kong’s role in Asia-Pacific supply chains over the coming decade.
As supply chains become increasingly time-sensitive and sustainability-driven, Hactl’s latest initiatives highlight how cargo terminal operators are evolving into strategic enablers of secure, resilient and environmentally responsible global trade.
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Brussels Airport reported a 6.2 percent year-on-year increase in cargo volumes in April 2026, underlining the airport’s growing role as a key European air freight and logistics hub amid resilient global trade demand. Total cargo throughput reached nearly 74,000 tonnes during the month, supported by strong growth in full freighter operations and express cargo services. The increase comes despite ongoing disruptions in parts of the Middle East aviation market, which affected belly cargo capacity on passenger routes. According to airport data, full freighter traffic recorded one of the strongest performances, rising more than 23 percent, particularly on Asia-focused routes. Express cargo volumes also expanded, reflecting continued demand from e-commerce and time-sensitive supply chains. However, belly cargo transported on passenger aircraft declined due to reduced flight frequencies on certain international sectors. The April performance extends Brussels Airport’s positive cargo momentum seen since the start of 2026. In February, the airport handled 63,050 tonnes of cargo, up 6.5 percent year-on-year, while January volumes increased 3.5 percent to 61,485 tonnes. Growth has been consistently driven by integrator services, belly cargo demand and improved trucking activity across Europe. Industry analysts note that Brussels Airport continues to strengthen its position as a multimodal cargo gateway connecting Europe with Asia, Africa and North America. The airport has particularly benefited from growth in pharmaceutical shipments, express logistics and cross-border e-commerce flows. Its cargo community strategy and investments in digitalisation and infrastructure are also helping attract additional freight operators and logistics providers. The latest figures build on a strong 2025 performance, when Brussels Airport handled approximately 795,000 tonnes of cargo, an increase of 8.5 percent over the previous year. Airport officials attributed that growth to higher express shipments, expanding belly cargo volumes and resilient international trade activity. As global supply chains continue to diversify and air cargo demand remains steady, Brussels Airport appears well-positioned to capture additional market share in the European logistics sector through 2026. 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: https://cargoconnect.co.in/ for more news & updates!
EgyptAir has taken delivery of its first Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, marking a major milestone in the airline’s fleet modernisation and sustainability strategy. The newly delivered 737-8 is the first of 18 aircraft being leased from SMBC Aviation Capital and also represents the first Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to enter service in Egypt. The aircraft will support EgyptAir’s short- and medium-haul network across key international destinations including Paris, Brussels, Istanbul and Vienna, while complementing the carrier’s existing fleet of Next-Generation 737 aircraft. According to Ahmed Adel, Chairman and CEO of EgyptAir Holding Company, "The integration of the 737 MAX marks a significant milestone in our fleet modernization strategy and providing passengers with a superior travel experience while achieving greater operational efficiency. "This aircraft's advanced technology and reduced environmental footprint align perfectly with our vision for sustainable growth and our dedication to maintaining a young, state-of-the-art fleet that connects Egypt to the world," he noted. The Boeing 737-8 offers approximately 20% lower fuel consumption and emissions compared to older-generation aircraft, while featuring upgraded passenger amenities including the Boeing Sky Interior, enhanced LED lighting, larger windows and expanded overhead storage space. Commenting on the delivery, Anbessie Yitbarek, Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa, Boeing added, "With this delivery, we build on 60 years of partnership with EgyptAir and welcome them as a 737 MAX operator. The 737 MAX offers the efficiency, range and passenger comfort airlines need as they grow and enhance their operations." EgyptAir remains one of Africa’s oldest operators of the Boeing 737 family, with its association with the aircraft platform dating back to 1975.
Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has witnessed significant growth in its air cargo operations during February and March, despite operational interruptions and geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Significant progress has been made in streamlining exports to the Gulf region, allowing CIAL to grow by about 10% during the fiscal year. Almost 76% of the 72,178 tonnes of cargo that CIAL handled in FY26 was foreign. In comparison to the prior year, this represented a rise of about 10%. The freight segment's revenue increased to ₹52.84 crore. Higher mobility of perishables, pharmaceuticals, industrial consignments, and e-commerce shipments was the main cause of the increase in cargo volumes. In order to improve logistical efficiency and streamline landside cargo movement, CIAL also established a Dedicated Trucking Centre. Furthermore, to enable 24-hour cargo operations, the facility had distinct parking areas, driver amenities, and movement zones for long-haul and short-haul cargo trucks. Significant capacity improvements were also made to CIAL's cargo infrastructure. The airport can now handle 1,25,000 tonnes of export cargo annually, thanks to the addition of the Export Cargo Warehouse. Advanced screening systems, specific handling zones for hazardous materials and radioactive cargo, specialised cold-chain infrastructure, and improved storage facilities for high-value shipments are all features of the updated facility. A significant portion of Kerala's aviation freight movement is being handled by the airport's 2.5 lakh square foot cargo holding facilities. During the West Asia crisis, CIAL also showed remarkable operational agility by managing 11 unscheduled cargo freighter trips that connected Kochi with Gulf destinations in March and April. During that time, Etihad Airways, National Airlines, SolitAir Aviation Services, SMB Private Cargo Charters, Fly Vaayu, Emirates, Kuwait Airways, Gulf Air, Maldivian, Saudia, Air Arabia, and Jazeera Airways offered non-scheduled freighter and special cargo services. "CIAL is steadily evolving into a future-ready air cargo and logistics gateway for South India," stated S. Suhas, Managing Director. We seek to provide smooth freight connectivity while assisting exporters, industries, and developing e-commerce marketplaces through infrastructure augmentation, digital cargo management systems, and multimodal integration initiatives," he stated. CIAL has also initiated steps to further strengthen specialised cargo handling, including efforts to obtain certification for pharmaceutical cargo handling and expand support systems for temperature-sensitive and time-critical shipments. For more such news and updates, follow CARGOCONNECT.
