Airport Authority supports digital trade finance leveraging HKIA cargo data

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) took part in Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s (HKMA) Data Summit 2025 today, discussing the way forward for the advancement of the digital trade finance ecosystem by leveraging the digitalised cargo data at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

As a member of the Expert Panel on Project CargoX established by HKMA, AAHK has participated in enhancing digital trade finance leveraging air cargo data on its HKIA Cargo Data Platform. Launched in 2021, the Platform is a blockchain-enabled digital ecosystem network that connects key air cargo stakeholders including freight forwarders, airlines and cargo terminal operators, to enable seamless information exchange and efficient workflow.

With the consent of participating platform users, sharing air cargo logistics data collected through the HKIA Cargo Data Platform with financial institutions enables them to gain deeper insights into their clients’ operational status and business performance. This enhanced visibility helps streamline trade finance processes and facilitates the delivery of financing services. The initiative is particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the logistics and trading sector, providing timely access to essential financial support that fosters growth and long-term competitiveness.

Fred Lam, Chairman of Airport Authority Hong Kong said, “Hong Kong International Airport is the world’s number one cargo airport, a position we have held 14th times since 2010. To further enhance our competitiveness, we must continue to leverage the power of technology, and digitalisation of the air cargo supply chain is one of the key steps to achieve greater efficiency and enable value-added services. Leveraging our cargo data on the HKIA Cargo Data Platform and in collaboration with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s Commercial Data Interchange, we are able to facilitate SMEs’ financing process and enhance credit risk management. We welcome continuous development in this area and anticipate further opportunities for collaboration with HKMA and other business partners to develop Hong Kong into an international cross-border the region’s leading e-commence fulfillment centre.”

As a pioneer in air cargo digitalisation, AAHK took another step forward this year with the launch of HKIA Cargo Connect - the world’s first airport-led initiative to facilitate airline partnerships through an innovative, intelligent and interconnected digital ecosystem, unlocking new business and collaboration opportunities.

HKIA Cargo Connect enables intelligent matchmaking for airline partnerships by offering airlines with enhanced visibility of flight schedules, aircraft type, terminal connection time, related operational requirements, and more. This solution directly addresses the industry’s longstanding challenges of fragmented and manual communications in establishing industry partnerships to foster more business opportunities for all. By connecting airlines across the globe, HKIA Cargo Connect will reinforce HKIA’s position as a preferred global air cargo hub and helps reshape the international air cargo landscape.