Southern China Air Cargo Hubs - Developments & Trends

With the rapid development and growth of air cargo hubs in the southern Chinese mainland (or more commonly known as the Pearl River Delta) particularly in Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Zhuhai, Hong Kong's preeminent position as the leading cargo hub of Asia appears to come under increasing pressure, not merely because the mainland hubs offer lower costs, but also because efficiencies in the mainland airports are on the rise. Direct cross-strait flights between Taiwan and mainland China has also somewhat changed the cargo equation for the region.

However despite what seems to be intense competition amongst these hubs, there is the intent to cooperate and collectively draw on the strengths of the various stakeholders in the PRD to further enhance the region’s competitive advantage. This could be seen in the region’s 12th 5 year Plan for transportation, Cathay Pacific's construction of its own cargo terminal at HKIA, the various infrastructure development projects being planned and executed (including the region’s high speed rail system) appears to reaffirm this intent. 

The session’s key discussion points will include:

• The recent unveiled plans for China’s southern air cargo hubs calls on the individual hubs to cooperate and draw upon each of their strengths to future develop the region. What are the key developments that could be expected for the region?
• How will the individual airports collaborate to enhance the region’s competitive advantage and what are the challenges moving forward?  What fresh opportunities will arise from this climate of cooperation?
• What is the future of the cross straits flights - is it just a temporary blip, or a long term trade?
• Cargo security checks – what needs to be done? How is it to be done? What are the potential impacts?

 Session Chair & Moderator: Donald Urquhart, Editor, Payload Asia

  Invited panelists include:

  - Tony Wines, Director & CEO, Turnkey Consulting
  - Julia Yan, General Manager, Strategic Planning & Development, Hong Kong International Airport
  - Sunny Ho, Executive Director, Hong Kong Shippers Council (invited)
  - Senior Representative from Airports Council International, Asia Pacific Region (invited)

1315: End of  Day’s programme

Remarks: Conference program and speakers are subjected to change without prior notice.