MILESTONES
Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) commenced operations in 1976, with the goal of streamlining cargo operations at the old Kai Tak Airport, where cargo space was severely restricted. Over the next two decades, Hactl built and operated two air cargo terminals at Kai Tak, catering for the rapid development of Hong Kong as an air cargo hub. By 1997, Hactl’s annual throughput had reached 1.7 million tonnes.
In 1998 Hactl moved to SuperTerminal 1, designed by renowned architect Norman Foster, at the new Hong Kong International Airport in Chek Lap Kok. Representing an initial investment of US$1 billion, capable of handling 3.5 million tonnes per annum, and setting new standards in automation and efficiency, SuperTerminal 1 today remains at the heart of our award-winning handling services.
Begins
1971
Company incorporated in Hong Kong.
1976
Hactl Terminal 1 commences operations.
1977
Launch of Community System for Air Cargo (COSAC), the first air cargo management system to connect airlines.
1979
Record throughput of 250,000 tonnes.
1984
Hong Kong Air Cargo Industry Services Limited (Hacis) established as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hactl, providing on-airport operations support plus collection/delivery throughout Hong Kong and Southern China.
1984
Sir John Bremridge, Financial Secretary, opens phase two of Terminal 1, increasing Hactl's capacity from 350,000 to 680,000 tonnes a year.
1986
Annual throughput reaches 500,000 tonnes.
1991
Sir David Wilson, Governor of Hong Kong, officiates at opening of Terminal 2, which further increases Hactl's capacity to 1.5 million tonnes a year.
1993
Throughput breaks 1 million tonne barrier.
1998
Hactl moves to SuperTerminal 1 at the new Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok. Representing an investment of US$1 billion, the terminal is capable of handling 3.5 million tonnes of cargo per annum.
2000
Hacis launches "SuperLink China Direct": scheduled, Customs-bonded express road feeder services between Hong Kong and mainland China.
2002
Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji visits SuperTerminal 1.
2003
Hactl breaks 2 million tonne barrier.
2005
Awarded TAPA’s Cargo Terminal Best Security Practices compliance certification - first air cargo terminal in the world to achieve it.
2008
Attains IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) standard - world's first air cargo terminal operator to do so.
2010
Achieves new record of 2.9 million tonnes annual throughput.
2012
COSAC-Plus (third generation of system) successfully completes final cutover. Capable of handling over 1 million data transactions daily, supporting up to 3.5 million tonnes throughput per annum.
2014
First cargo terminal in Hong Kong to receive EU RA3 Certification, attesting to Hactl’s robust security regime.
2014
First cargo terminal operator in Hong Kong to achieve the Good Distribution Practices (GDP) standard, signaling the highest calibre of handling for temperature-critical pharmaceuticals.
2015
Confirms long-term commitment to Hong Kong, by signing 10-year extension of handling franchise.
2016
First cargo terminal in Hong Kong to achieve IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) certification.
2017
Hong Kong’s first IATA CEIV Pharma-certified cargo terminal.
2018
“Green Terminal” programme launch formalises Hactl sustainability policy and actions.
2019
One of the first two handling companies globally to achieve new IATA CEIV Fresh standard for perishables.
2020
First in the world to achieve all three IATA CEIV accreditations: Pharma, Fresh and Live Animals.
2021
Hactl reaffirms green commitment with office refurbishment, achieving coveted BEAM Plus Interiors Version 1.0 Platinum rating.
2021
Cutting edge Integrated Hactl Control Centre (iHCC) centralises management and monitoring of entire Hactl operation, and enhances business resilience and disaster recovery capability.
2022
First cargo terminal operator in Hong Kong to achieve IATA’s Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) Center Certification. Achieves IATA CEIV Li-batt standard.
2023
World's first air cargo terminal equipped with intelligent thermal detection system to identify potentially dangerous cargo. Hong Kong’s first Automated Service Kiosks (ASKs) streamline collection of import cargo and increase security.
