The Hong Kong Airport Authority signs a memorandum of understanding with Qatar Airways Cargo to strengthen air connectivity and develop cooperation.

On August 19, Qatar Airways Cargo established a regional cargo office in Hong Kong and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Hong Kong Airport Authority (HKAA) to enhance air connectivity and cooperation in aviation development. The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Lam Sai-hung, attended the inauguration ceremony and witnessed the signing of the MOU. She stated, I welcome Qatar Airways Cargos decision to set up a regional office in Hong Kong, which fully reflects the airline's confidence and affirmation of Hong Kong as an international aviation hub. Hong Kong and Qatar have established a solid foundation of cooperation in the aviation sector, and the signing of todays MOU holds significant strategic importance, elevating the partnership between the two places to new heights. She further pointed out that as the world's busiest cargo airport, Hong Kong International Airport, in collaboration with the renowned airline Qatar Airways Cargo, will create greater synergies and promote the seamless flow of global cargo. She also announced at the ceremony that local airlines will unveil details of a newly launched flight to Almaty, Kazakhstan, on August 20, further expanding Hong Kong's global aviation network. She indicated that with the operation of the Three Runway System, the capacity of Hong Kong International Airport has significantly increased. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government will seize the opportunities presented by the system and the national support for the "Aerial Silk Road" to continue enhancing aviation service connections with global aviation partners, focusing on regions with further development potential and emerging growth, such as South America, Central Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Eric Wilson, Senior Vice President of Cargo Sales at Qatar Airways Cargo, praised Hong Kong International Airport at the ceremony for its world-class infrastructure, exceptional handling efficiency, and strategic geographical location, making it Asia's leading air cargo hub. He said, By establishing a regional office in Hong Kong and deepening our cooperation with the HKAA, the group will be well-positioned to leverage Hong Kongs advantages and further connect our global network with the vibrant markets in Asia and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The MOU will help Hong Kong International Airport accommodate a larger volume of cargo while effectively utilizing Qatar Airways Cargo's capacity, enhancing connections with developing markets such as destinations in South America, and further expanding Hong Kong International Airport's global aviation network. The MOU also covers cooperation between both parties in promoting operational excellence and improving service quality, as well as supporting sustainable development and talent training. The HKSAR government has been committed to promoting the long-term development of the aviation industry. To further consolidate Hong Kong's position as an international aviation hub, the Civil Aviation Department announced the extension of relevant exemptions for non-scheduled cargo flights and encouraged airlines to increase regular cargo flights and explore entirely new cargo routes. Meanwhile, the government will continue to work closely with the HKAA to actively expand the aviation network to seize market growth opportunities.