Cathay Cargo, a business unit of Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd., is one of the world’s premier air cargo carriers and logistics operators. Based in Hong Kong, Cathay Cargo offers a full suite of specialized cargo solutions through an extensive global network and its state-of-the-art Cathay Cargo Terminal. With decades of air freight expertise, the company supports industries across pharmaceuticals, perishables, e-commerce, aerospace, automotive, and more.
Company Overview
- Parent Company: Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd.
- Headquarters: Cathay Pacific City, 8 Scenic Road, Hong Kong International Airport, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
- Established: 1946 (Cargo operations under Cathay Pacific)
- Terminal Operator: Cathay Pacific Services Ltd. (CPSL)
- Cargo Terminal Opened: 2013
- Employees: Over 2,000 in cargo operations
- Annual Cargo Volume (2023): 1.3 million tonnes
- Fleet: 20+ dedicated freighters including Boeing 747-8F and 747-400F
- Global Destinations: Over 80 cargo destinations in 40+ countries
Cathay Cargo operates one of the most comprehensive air cargo networks in Asia and serves as a critical freight bridge connecting Mainland China, Southeast Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Oceania.
Service Portfolio
Cathay Cargo offers multiple specialized cargo products tailored to industry-specific needs:
- Cathay Pharma: Temperature-controlled transport of pharmaceutical and healthcare products compliant with IATA CEIV Pharma standards
- Cathay Fresh: For perishable goods like seafood, fruits, flowers, and meat, ensuring end-to-end cold chain integrity
- Cathay Live Animal: Safe and humane transport of live animals in accordance with IATA Live Animal Regulations
- Cathay Priority: Time-critical shipments with prioritized handling and faster transit
- Cathay Mail: Certified air mail transport for postal services and government agencies
- Cathay Expert: For complex shipments such as aircraft engines, oil & gas parts, and oversized equipment
- Cathay Courier: High-speed, door-to-door express service with secure documentation support
- Dangerous Goods & Special Cargo: IATA-certified DG handling for chemicals, lithium batteries, and regulated materials
- Charter Services: Full or partial aircraft charter for oversized or high-volume cargo
- Ultra Track: IoT-enabled tracking of cargo conditions (temperature, humidity, shock, location) using Bluetooth sensors
Infrastructure and Capabilities
Cathay Cargo Terminal
- Location: Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA)
- Size: 260,000 square meters
- Annual Throughput Capacity: 2.7 million tonnes
- Certifications:
- IATA CEIV Pharma
- IATA CEIV Fresh
- GDP (Good Distribution Practice)
- ISO 14001 & 45001
- Facilities:
- 7 cold rooms (2°C to 25°C)
- Dedicated zones for DG, valuables, courier, and live animals
- Automated material handling system
- Integrated customs clearance and real-time cargo visibility
Greater Bay Area (GBA) Logistics
Cathay Cargo extends multimodal cargo transport services across the GBA with:
- Trucking routes: Bonded trucking network linking cities in Guangdong with HKIA
- Sea-to-air connectivity: Via Hong Kong’s airport sea freight channel
- Mainland Handling Partners: Providing one-stop cross-border customs and delivery
Digitalization and Innovation
Cathay Cargo invests heavily in technology to streamline operations and improve customer experience:
- Ultra Track: Sensor-based shipment visibility in real-time
- E-AWB Adoption Rate: Over 95% globally
- CargoWise Integration: Seamless booking and tracking through third-party platforms
- CX e-Solutions Portal: Digital cargo booking, rate requests, and flight schedules
- Digital Documentation: Full support for e-freight, e-booking, and e-invoicing
Sustainability and ESG Initiatives
As part of the Swire Group, Cathay Cargo adheres to ambitious environmental and social responsibility standards:
- Carbon Reduction Targets: Net-zero carbon emissions by 2050
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) partnerships with Chevron and Shell
- Green Terminal Operations: Solar panels, LED retrofitting, and electrified ground support equipment
- Diversity & Inclusion: Corporate programs to support gender equity and local workforce development
Cathay Pacific was the first airline in Asia to join the World Economic Forum Clean Skies for Tomorrow Coalition.
Key Clients and Sectors Served
- Pharma & Life Sciences
- E-commerce and Express
- Automotive & Aerospace
- Fresh Produce & Aquaculture
- Postal Services and Couriers
- Government and Defense Agencies
Major clients include DHL, FedEx, SF Express, Japan Post, Alibaba, and top global pharmaceutical brands.
Strategic Alliances
- oneworld Cargo Alliance: Cathay is a founding member of the alliance, offering synchronized connections across alliance partners
- Interline Partnerships: With over 40 international carriers to extend network reach
- HKIA Collaboration: Strategic role in HKIA’s expansion into the world’s largest air cargo hub
Contact Summary
Cathay Cargo is not just a carrier, but a global logistics solution provider, offering high-value, time-sensitive, and quality-assured freight services. Its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and future-focused innovation position it as a global leader in air cargo logistics.