HKT and Hactl collaborate to establish Hong Kong’s first 5G private network-enabled air cargo terminal

HONG KONG, April 10, 2025 -- HKT and Hactl collaborate to establish Hong Kong’s first 5G private network-enabled air cargo terminal1. 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. 

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 airport2. 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. The deployment will significantly enhance Hactl’s operational efficiency through the following enhancements: 

 Seamless Autonomous Electric Tractor (AET) operations: The 5G private network will enable Hactl’s AETs to efficiently transport cargo with real time coordination and dynamically adapt to traffic and safety protocols, reducing the need for human intervention.
 Enhanced security with Patrol Robots: Equipped with AI-powered video analytics and 5G private network, Hactl’s security robots will continuously patrol cargo areas and transmit live footage to Hactl’s Security Control Centre over a dedicated, secure 5G mobile channel for real time surveillance and instant threat detection and response.
 Smart warehouse automation: Hactl’s 5G-connected Smart Cargo Locating system will streamline warehouse logistics by utilising real-time positioning and automated cargo tracking. Smart Forklifts for cargo racking will communicate with one another and the central operations system to optimise workflow and minimise manual errors.

Steve Ng, Managing Director of Commercial Group, HKT, said, “Connectivity is of paramount importance for digital transformation in the air cargo industry. HKT is committed to leveraging our private 5G network solutions to facilitate air cargo terminal operators to achieve realtime automation, AI-driven logistics and enhanced security. Our collaboration with Hactl represents a major step towards next-generation air cargo logistics, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a global leader in smart cargo operations.”

Wilson Kwong, Chief Executive of Hactl, added: “Hactl’s success to date is firmly based on its enthusiastic adoption of the very latest technologies throughout its business. 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.”

Enhanced automation capabilities will provide Hactl staff with unprecedented visibility and control over logistics processes, ultimately improving operational efficiency. Among planned advancements are Smart Handheld Terminals, wearable technology and IoT-integrated smart sensors.

- # -

Photo captions:

HKT’s 5G private network will enable Hactl’s Autonomous Electric Tractors to transport cargo efficiently

Hactl’s 5G-connected Smart Cargo Locating system will streamline warehouse logistics

Patrol robots equipped with AI-powered video analytics and 5G private network will help enhance security

About HKT
HKT is a technology, media, and telecommunication leader with more than 150 years of history in Hong Kong. As the city’s true 5G provider, HKT connects businesses and people locally and globally. Our end-to-end enterprise solutions make us a market leading digital transformation partner of choice for businesses, whereas our comprehensive connectivity and smart living offerings enrich people’s lives and cater for their diverse needs for work, entertainment, education, well-being, and even a sustainable low-carbon lifestyle. Together with our digital ventures which support digital economy development and help connect Hong Kong to the world as an international financial centre, HKT endeavours to contribute to smart city development and help our community tech forward. 

For more information, please visit: www.hkt.com.
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hkt

About Hactl
Hactl is Hong Kong’s largest independent air cargo terminal operator. Its highly-automated SuperTerminal 1 base has an annual capacity of 3.5 million tonnes. Since Hactl’s launch in 1976, its constant investment and innovation have made a major contribution to the development of Hong Kong International Airport to become the world’s busiest air cargo hub. Hactl complies with every relevant industry standard, including ISAGO (world’s first), WHO GDP (Hong Kong’s first), and all four IATA CEIV certifications (pharmaceuticals, fresh, live animals and lithium batteries). Hactl’s 2,300 highly-experienced and comprehensively trained staff, award-winning COSAC-Plus air cargo management system, impressive facilities and commercial neutrality make it the trusted ground handling partner for over 100 airlines and 1,000 freight forwarders.

For more information, please visit: https://www.hactl.com/
Linkedin: https://hk.linkedin.com/company/hactl

For media enquiries, please contact:

HKT
Group Communications
Nicole Lo
Tel: +852 2883 2742
Email: [email protected]

Hactl
Branding & Communications
Whitty Lau
Tel: +852 2753 2028
Email: [email protected]

Issued by HKT Limited and Hactl.
HKT Limited is a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability.

If you detect any issues, problems, or errors in this press release content, kindly contact [email protected] to notify us (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). We will respond and rectify the situation in the next 8 hours.