Vertical: Airports
Application: Autonomous electric tractors, smart warehouse automation, real-time cargo tracking
Ecosystem: HKT
Private Network: 5G
In a significant development for Hong Kong’s logistics sector, the world’s busiest international cargo airport is embracing next-generation connectivity. Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) and HKT collaborate to establish Hong Kong’s first 5G private network-enabled air cargo terminal. This collaboration will enhance Hactl’s automation capabilities and uplift its global logistics efficiency, reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a world-class aviation and logistics hub.
The high-speed, ultra-low latency, secure and reliable 5G private network will transform air cargo terminal management at Hactl into a smart, interconnected ecosystem, paving the way for the future adoption of advanced technologies for enhanced productivity. This brings substantial improvements to a facility that already handles an impressive volume of cargo. In 2024, Hactl managed more than 40% of the approximately 4.9 million tonnes of cargo handled by Hong Kong International Airport, the world’s busiest international cargo airport, underscoring the significance of this technological upgrade.
The implementation of the private 5G network will introduce several key operational enhancements. Seamless Autonomous Electric Tractor operations will allow efficient cargo transport with real-time coordination, dynamically adapting to traffic and safety protocols while reducing the need for human intervention. This automation represents just the beginning of Hactl’s vision for a fully modernized operation.
Smart warehouse automation will be another major benefit, with Hactl’s 5G-connected Smart Cargo Locating system streamlining warehouse logistics through real-time positioning and automated cargo tracking. Smart Forklifts will communicate both with each other and with the central operations system, optimizing workflow and minimizing errors that typically occur with manual processes.
The importance of this deployment extends beyond mere operational improvements. As Steve Ng, Managing Director of Commercial Group at HKT notes, “Connectivity is of paramount importance for digital transformation in the air cargo industry”. The partnership represents a forward-thinking approach to logistics that will help maintain Hong Kong’s competitive edge in global trade.
Wilson Kwong, Chief Executive of Hactl, emphasized that this initiative builds upon the company’s tradition of technological leadership. “This new private 5G installation is our latest initiative, building the essential foundation to support our future use of robotics, autonomous vehicles and digitalisation of processes throughout our SuperTerminal 1 facility”, Kwong stated.
