Hong Kong's Asia Airfreight Terminal sets cargo record, up 3pc in 2012

HONG KONG's Asia Airfreight Terminal (AAT), the airport's No 2 ground handler, has posted a three per cent year-on-year increase in air cargo throughput to 719,068 tonnes in 2012, breaking the AAT record set in 2010.

AAT also announced that December throughput increased 11 per cent year on year to 68,252 tonnes.

Annual exports for 2012 were 497,977 tonnes, up four per cent year on year. Total imports were up three per cent to 214,677 tonnes, while full-year transshipment volume was 6,415 tonnes, down 38 per cent.

"It is inspiring to see that AAT's cargo throughput achieved a new record high since 2010," said AAT general manager sales and marketing Kenneth Yeung. "Despite the volatile global economy in 2012, AAT has endeavoured to maintain our efficient and quality services for our customers."

December exports were up 13 per to 46,675 tonnes year on year. Imports were up five per cent to 20,622 tonnes and transshipment volume soared 102 per cent to 956 tonnes year on year.

Looking ahead, Mr Yeung said there are still many challenges in the industry, so AAT will pay close attention to "product innovation" to enhance the efficiency in operations.