On August 19, Qatar Airways Cargo officially opened its regional cargo office in Hong Kong and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) to enhance air connectivity and development cooperation.

Hong Kong's Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mable Chan, attended the opening ceremony and witnessed the signing of the MOU. "I welcome Qatar Airways Cargo's decision to establish a regional office in Hong Kong, which fully reflects the airline's confidence in and recognition of Hong Kong as an international aviation hub. Hong Kong and Qatar have built a solid foundation for aviation cooperation over the years, and the MOU signed today is of great strategic significance, elevating our partnership to new heights," she said.

She added that Hong Kong International Airport, as the world's busiest cargo airport, joining forces with globally renowned Qatar Airways Cargo will create greater synergies and facilitate the seamless flow of global freight. At the ceremony, she also announced that a local airline will reveal details of a new route to Almaty, Kazakhstan, tomorrow (August 20), further expanding Hong Kong's global aviation network.

With the Three-Runway System now in operation, the capacity of Hong Kong International Airport has significantly increased. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government will seize the opportunities brought by the system and the nation's support for the "Air Silk Road" to continue strengthening air service links with global aviation partners, with priority focus 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 a premier air cargo hub in Asia. "Through establishing a regional office in Hong Kong and deepening cooperation with AAHK, the group is well-positioned to leverage Hong Kong's advantages to further connect our global network with the dynamic markets of Asia and the Greater Bay Area," he said.

The MOU will help Hong Kong International Airport attract greater cargo volumes while optimizing the capacity of Qatar Airways Cargo to strengthen connections with high-potential markets such as destinations in South America, further expanding the airport's global air network. The MOU also covers cooperation in promoting operational excellence, enhancing service quality, and supporting sustainable development and talent training.

The SAR Government has been committed to driving the long-term development of the aviation industry. To further consolidate Hong Kong's position as an international aviation hub, the Civil Aviation Department has announced an extension of exemption measures for non-scheduled cargo flights and encouraged airlines to increase scheduled cargo services and explore new cargo routes. Meanwhile, the government will continue to work closely with AAHK to actively expand the aviation network and seize market growth opportunities.