Following the successful completion of the 3rd JCtrans Global Freight Forwarders Expo and International Air Transport Association (IATA) Aviation Day at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE), the world of logistics and aviation will be looking at Hong Kong to spearhead industry exchanges and new growth opportunities.
Aviation and Logistics Changemakers are heading to Hong Kong, inspired by the city’s new infrastructure and its strategic role as an international logistics and aviation hub and role of the gateway of the Greater Bay Area (GBA).
In what will be a first, Hong Kong will be playing host to the Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC) in November, IATA World Cargo Symposium 2024, Aero-Engines Asia-Pacific 2024 and Super Terminal Expo 2024.
Kenneth Wong, General Manager, MICE & Cruise of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), said, “We are thrilled that Hong Kong has become the destination of choice for multiple aviation and logistic events! The city’s status as an aviation hub with a globally connected transportation network, a future-proof Airport City development, top-notch convention venues and a gateway to the GBA makes it a strategic choice in the region to host major industry events.”
Hong Kong as an aviation hub
Located in the heart of Asia, Hong Kong is within a five-hour flight of half of the world’s population, with Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) providing globally renowned air transport services. It is also frequently ranked among the world’s busiest international passenger airports, as it hosts some 120 airlines. In addition, it is also the busiest cargo airport in the world, with a cargo throughput of 4.2 million tonnes in 2022, making it a leader in both fields.
Airport City as a booster for business events
To enhance the connectivity with the GBA and the world, HKIA is transforming itself from a city airport to an Airport City.
A robust expansion strategy is in place, including the Three-runway System that will increase capacity by 50%, allowing it to cater for up to 120 million passengers and 10 million tonnes of cargo annually.
Plans are in hand to strengthen the multimodal network with GBA cities through state-of-the-art cross-boundary infrastructure, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, to ensure seamless travel via Hong Kong, which helps to facilitate more multi-destination exchange and excursions within the region.
As part of the Airport City development, AWE – located right next to the international airport, is expanding to house the city’s largest indoor arena with over 20,000 seats, thus attracting more large-scale events to stage in town.
These enhancements position the city as a super-connector to capture more business opportunities in both the lucrative GBA market and the world, providing growth impetus to Hong Kong’s MICE industry.
Vivian Cheung, Chief Operating Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong and Hong Kong Convention Ambassador, said, “I am thrilled to bring significant industry events to our city, which reflects the role of Hong Kong as a leading aviation, transportation and logistics hub. As a member of the Hong Kong Convention Ambassador programme, I look forward to welcoming even more business events and delegates from around the world.”
Simon Li, Chairman of AWE, commented, “AWE takes immense pride in facilitating transformative dialogues set to redefine the transportation and logistics sectors. The events will demonstrate the unprecedented synergies that can be achieved in all-in-one Lantau, the heart of Hong Kong’s transport network, comprises of new hotels, the city’s largest hub for retail, dining and entertainment – 11SKIES, and an award-winning MICE venue.”
IATA World Cargo Symposium to be hosted in Hong Kong for the first time
Having been the world’s leading air cargo hub for many years, HKIA will be the host airport for the 2024 edition of the IATA World Cargo Symposium in March.
The conference is expected to attract over 1,000 attendees from around the world, with the aim of tackling subjects related to technology and innovation, security and customs, cargo operations, and sustainability.
Conrad Clifford, Deputy Director General and Corporate Secretary at IATA said, “Hong Kong has the elements needed to retain its status as an important aviation hub for both passengers and air cargo. This includes having a strong hub airline, Cathay Pacific, as well as having the experience and expertise in handling perishable goods, lithium batteries and other dangerous cargo.
I am confident that Hong Kong’s traffic will return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2024, three years earlier than previously expected. This is in line with expectations of a faster recovery in the Asia-Pacific region.”
Super Terminal Expo 2024 inaugural in Hong Kong to capture the world’s fastest-growing market
Debuting at AWE in November 2024, Super Terminal Expo 2024 – the first of its kind – will feature dynamic networking opportunities and educational sessions as well as highlight important insights into trends and technologies shaping the future of cargo and passenger terminals, as well as ports, railways and building construction industries.
Michael Duck, Executive Vice President of Commercial Development for Informa Markets, added, “The Asia-Pacific region is the largest global logistics and passenger transport market, and Hong Kong sits right at its heart. We are delighted to host the inaugural Super Terminal Expo in this thriving market.
Right before the flagship exhibition, we will also host Aero-Engines Asia-Pacific 2024 as part of Aviation Week Network’s Aero-Engines series in the city in April 2024. These events present a raft of opportunities that will allow businesses to tap into the growing demand for logistics and passenger transportation services.”
Future Aviation, Transport, Logistics Conventions and Exhibitions:
- Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference 2023. Dates: 21-22 November 2023. Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
- Asia Pacific Region Innovation & Capacity Building Symposium 2023. Dates: 14-15 December 2023. Venue: AsiaWorld-Expo.
- IATA World Cargo Symposium 2024. Dates: 12-14 March 2024. Venue: AsiaWorld-Expo.
- Aero-Engines Asia-Pacific 2024. Dates: 24-25 April 2024. Venue: Renaissance Harbour View Hotel.
- Super Terminal Expo 2024. Dates: 5-7 November 2024. Venue: AsiaWorld-Expo.
- CAPA Airline Leader Summit & Sustainability Awards 2024. Dates: 6-7 November 2024. Venue: AsiaWorld-Expo.
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